Gary Edwin Smith

Born on December 9th, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta to Garnet and Leona Smith, Gary spent his early years in Edmonton, where he met the love of his life, Frances (Kitsco). They were married on March 17, 1959, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with adventure, laughter, and unwavering support for one another.

Gary’s career in the garment industry through the Hudson’s Bay Company took him across Canada and around the world, with residences in Montreal and Winnipeg. After owning his own clothing and hat shop in Edmonton, he and Fran settled in Calgary, where they built a wonderful life in the 4th Avenue community and where Gary began a successful second career in real estate.

Gary had a deep love for the arts and an eclectic taste in music. Whether painting, drawing, or playing guitar, he brought creativity into everyday life and passed that passion on to his children and grandchildren. CKUA and Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café were never far away when Gary was nearby. He and Fran shared a love of travel and created countless memories exploring the world, often with their beloved “Monkey Man” along for the ride.

In 2005, they retired to Vernon, British Columbia, where Gary fully embraced the outdoors, hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. He was also proud to volunteer with Vernon Search and Rescue. Some of his happiest days were spent on Okanagan Lake, with family close by and a tube trailing behind the boat for anyone daring to take a ride.

Above all, Gary was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was steadfast, generous, and always ready to lend a hand. Summers with his children were filled with camping trips, time at the family cabin, and water skiing; simple moments that became lifelong memories.

Gary will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Frances; his siblings, Daryl (Darlene), Ron (Tish), Kevin (Penny), and Joanne; his children, Laurie, Kelly (Nancy), Doug (Lisa), and Grant (Lisa); his eight grandchildren, Stephanie, Melanie (Billy), Katelyn (Mark), Mark (Kayla), Erika (Sean), Chloe (Thomas), Jacob Parks, Graydon and Mackenzie; and his two great-grandchildren, Anthony and Hadrian.

A blessing will be held on Monday, May 4 at 8:30 a.m. at Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service on Wednesday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Parish.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Hearthstone Manor for their compassion and care.

Donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia or the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation.