Bryan Hextall Smith

He will be forever in the hearts of his family: Janice (nee Gourlay), wife of 62 years; sons, Jay (Kari); Mark (Marcy) and Darren (Donna). Grandchildren Kale (Megan), Mattea (Mitch), Ethan, Maigan (Cullen) and Brandon. Great granddaughter Piper. Bryan was predeceased by his grandson, Brayden.

Bryan is survived by 5 brothers and 2 sisters, many nieces and nephews; also Janice’s siblings and families, and many dear friends.

Bryan was born and raised in the mining town of Copper Mountain, near Princeton BC. In his late teens, he rode the train to Flin Flon, Manitoba where he worked in the mine. In 1965 he and Janice ventured back to BC where he attained his millwright mechanic certification and started work in the oil and gas business at Westcoast Transmission in Fort St. John, BC. and then to Alberta Gas Trunk Line in Calgary . An opportunity came to take the family and move to the Middle East to work for the Arabian American Oil Company so they packed their bags and off they went!! Upon their return to Canada, he was employed by Dome Petroleum/Amoco/BP Petroleum in Fort Saskatchewan until his retirement in 2002.

He loved traveling, and with his family visited many parts of the world. He and Janice retired to Vernon BC and spent their winters in the southern states and later in Portugal. He loved being on the water in the summer, attending sons hockey games in the winter and renovating their homes, and building 2 cottages.

Bryan had been a resident at Creekside Landing Long Term Care in Vernon for the past 2 years. The family would like to give their thanks to the staff for the good care, love and support Bryan and the family received.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Bryan’s favorite saying was

CARRY ON THE BEST YOU KNOW HOW and we know he would be telling us those words now.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in your area, or to a charity of your choice in Bryan’s name.