Rev. David Alexander Smith

The Rev David Smith, retired minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, passed away at home on Dec 22. He is survived by his wife Hazel, their children Heather David, Ian & Mary -Lou and their spouses, 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, plus numerous other relatives, and friends.

While attending Brandon College, David often preached at small nearby churches. One of these was the church in Hartney, Manitoba. Little did he know then that the family that always housed and fed the ‘Sunday Supply’, contained his future wife Hazel.

Upon graduating from Brandon, David went on to attend Knox College. Here he reconnected with Hazel who was attending the Presbyterian Mission and Deaconess Training School, and they were married in 1956.

They were a strong team and together they served in many churches starting off in St David’s Ottawa, followed by Knox Presbyterian Church Neepawa Manitoba, West Point Grey Presbyterian Church Vancouver, BC, and Knox Presbyterian Church Victoria, BC. Hazel was always by his side, serving wherever there was a need. In 1989 David took early retirement after having had heart surgery. For many years to follow he served as Interim Minister in many churches as well as providing Sunday ‘supply’ on the Island. He and Hazel moved temporarily, more than once, to provide long term supply to the Presbyterian Church in Castlegar as well as to First Presbyterian Church, New Westminster. With their gifts of hospitality and encouragement, David and Hazel always came away with many new friends.

David will be remembered for his service to God, his extreme devotion to his wife Hazel, his love of family especially the young ones, and his gift of encouragement.