Joan Ada Smith

Joan passed away at age 90 in North Vancouver, 6 month’s after the passing of husband George, almost 70 years after their first date. Born in Marpole during the Great Depression, Joan learned how to have fun during tough times. She enjoyed the freedom that came from holidays on her Aunt Bertie’s farm in Langley and time spent with her Dad, while fishing and swimming in the waters of the Fraser River.

Tragically, her mother died when Joan was 10 years old, Aunt Bertie stepped in as a surrogate and was always loved by Joan. For a short time her dad Robert, sister Mary and Joan moved into her grandparents Vancouver house, until dad and his two teenage daughters bought their own home on Keith Rd in North Vancouver. Joan then started skiing and met George at ski races on Hollyburn and Grouse Mountains. They married and their numbers quickly increased from two to a family of six.

Joan and George loved to play tennis and both were athletic and competitive, and for years they played in leagues and tournaments. Joan was a strong player but she had many talents and interests, so in her 30’s she followed her childhood dream to be a figure skater. Again she worked hard and became accomplished at ice dance. She enjoyed the music and beauty of figure skating. It was a perfect combination of sport and art. It only seemed natural that in her 40’s she would go back to school with a focus on the arts at Capilano College. She transferred to UBC to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and then return to Cap College to become part of the art institute and continue learning, creating and mentoring. She was a printmaker and her prints were often large and striking with a common theme being ‘the forces of nature’, a tribute to the power of glaciers, mountains, rocks and trees. Hiking in the Rocky Mountains year after year impacted her art. She was in awe of the mountainous beauty of that area. Joan’s art resume is extensive and includes prints in national and international exhibits.

Their home has been an historic landmark for family and friends. Many have walked through their doors with the knowledge they would be loved and accepted just as they were.

Joan was the family rock, steady and consistent with her love. Her generosity was intrinsic to who she was, if she had a few dollars she would slip it into someone's pocket, or send a card with a gift, she didn’t spend money on herself. There could never have been a better Gramma, she had a way of making kids feel comfortable and special with the expected dippy eggs and fresh squeezed orange juice or to be cuddled in her loving arms.

Joan was predeceased by parents Emma and Robert, sister Mary, and just recently her husband George. Survived by children Douglas, (Dianne), Elaine (Ian), Barbara (Pete), Susan (Bob), grandchildren Rebecca (Andy), Emma (Cole), Nicholas (Megan), Richard (Kat), Nicole (Drew), Alexandra (Jeff), Claire (Pat), Lia (Izabelle), Madeleine. (Eddy), great grandchildren Mattias, Rhory, Shane, Brinn, Beckett, Leif, Oliver and Freya.

‘Well, here at last, dear friends, on the shores of the Sea comes the end of our fellowship in Middle Earth. Go in Peace! I will not say: do not weep: for not all tears are an evil.’ (Tolkien)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Smith family.