David John Smith

It is with profound sadness that the family of David John Smith announce he passed away peacefully on the morning of his 55th birthday, May 6, 2025, at the Agape Hospice in Calgary, Alberta with his mom, Caroline, at his side.

David was born in Drumheller on May 6, 1970, to parents Ivan and Caroline. He was the baby of the family with four older sisters.

Up until the end of his life, David showed amazing strength and courage facing serious medical conditions, including diabetes, endless infections, amputation of both legs, and cancer. Through all his pain and later, time spent in care, David was fortunate to meet many supportive and caring people. David’s determination to keep getting back up after being knocked down so many times was awe-inspiring to us all.

He often surprised people with his sensitivity, insights and abilities. David will be fondly remembered for his quirky sense of humour, quick wit, loud boisterous laugh, and his exemplary baking, especially cookies, carrot cake and buns!

David loved 5-pin bowling where he was an athlete for Special Olympics for over 33 years. He was an excellent bowler and won many gold, silver, and bronze medals and trophies. At the last provincial games, David won both gold individual and gold team medals.

He was an avid card player and excelled at cribbage. David loved birthdays, celebrations, bingo, and slot machines. He could hardly wait for our traditional birthday nights at the casino where he always seemed to be the only one leaving with winnings. Before he became very sick, he loved to bike and camp.

David loved Mexico and unfortunately, he was not able to fulfill his last wish to go for the fourth time. He loved road trips, especially to Radium Hot Springs.

David had a fierce love, loyalty, and pride for his family. David was incredibly sentimental and generous to a fault.

Movies were his passion; anything from Disney to horror to action to science fiction, although he hated finding himself crying at the “sappy” parts. David could name all the actors and movies he saw over the years.

He loved all kinds of music and would often turn it up full volume and “blast” it throughout the house and later carried it down the halls and in his rooms in hospitals and care centers. Dragons had a special meaning for him, starting with a big arm tattoo acquired on a trip to Mexico.

David spent most of his adult life working as a courtesy clerk, first for Calgary CO-OP and later for Montgomery Safeway, where he became a fixture for over 23 years until his second amputation. Safeway became “his” community where he made friends with his co-workers and the customers. He was known for his kindness, his big personality and wildly coloured hair; anywhere from red to pink to green to blue to purple. Special thanks to his Safeway ladies who loved and protected him.

David will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his mom Caroline, sister Michele, sister Lisa and brother-in-law, Matthew, nieces Emily (Justin) and Naomi, girlfriend Sylvia, “brother” Jose, and many friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the agencies and support workers who cared for him over the years, especially Jim and Michelle who became his good friends. The family would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the nurses, doctors and therapists who cared for him at the Foothills Hospital, Peter Lougheed Center, MSK Rehab Program at Carewest Glenmore Park, and the Agape Hospice.

A Celebration of David’s Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday May 24, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. There will be time to share your memories and stories of David during the service.

For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed. Please use the link below.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to Special Olympics Calgary at specialolympics.ab.ca. Donations may be made in David’s name and in that box you may ask funds be directed to the Five Pin Bowling program.