Hugh James Smiley

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Helen (aka Mickey), daughters Marni and Megan (Karl), grandsons Reid and Griffin, his siblings George, Sharon, Jack, Lee and Colleen and their families, countless nieces and nephews, many friends and his granddog Shadow Moon and grandcat Hazelnut. His parents were there to greet him, along with his siblings Sheila, Mike, and Gerry Pat who have already gone over the fence.

This seemingly indestructible, sparkly-eyed and sweet man showed up on the scene on June 7th, 1942 in Detroit Michigan; the 4th of 9 children born to Frank & Frances Smiley. From day one he was as clever as he was mischievous, and equal parts protective, daring, fair-minded, fierce, funny, giving, passionate and thoughtful – all qualities that he carried through his life. He was infinitely kind, impossibly generous and entirely devoted to everyone he loved – especially his family, both blood and chosen kin.

He met Mickey – or as he often called her, his Celtic Goddess – in his teens and in 1967, after serving 4 years in the US Navy, he and Mickey married. In the early years they lived in Royal Oak, Michigan and briefly in Tampa, Florida where their daughter Marni was born.

Forever curious and drawn to the wilderness, he moved his family out to British Columbia in 1975, where his daughter Megan was born. Having apprenticed at Detroit Edison as a Lineman and with several years experience as a Journeyman, he responded to an offer with BC Hydro, where he worked until his mid-70’s as a Cable Splicer and a Lineman. He was an exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable tradesman, a supportive teacher and an unending source of hilarity on the job, as he was in all places.

He loved his work, he loved coffee (especially from Classico), and loved talking politics, but was happiest with family or while adventuring on the West Coast Trail - a hike he returned to many times over the years. He often said moving to BC was the best move he ever made. He instilled a curiosity and a love of the natural world in his daughters over the years by walking, hiking, driving and talking (lots of talking) along the many trails, shorelines, and highways of this beautiful place. With him and his equally tough and sweet wife at the helm, our family has enjoyed a beautiful, long life full of love and warmth. He loved his family fiercely and boundlessly, and with such great pride.

A friend recently described him as the toughest man they’d ever met with the softest heart of any person they’d ever known. It’s true, and his loss is felt profoundly by all who knew him. He was fearless (with the exception of sharks) and innately capable of handling any situation, no matter how difficult (again, with the shark caveat). He knew every knot in the book, could start a fire in a rainstorm, could turn darkness to light, and make every person around him feel loved and special. We will all miss him so much.

A wake to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday July 24th. As per his request, we will try to keep the ‘fussing’ to a minimum and do as he did - make each other laugh as much as possible.