Obituary of Ken Smith

Ken Smith Ken passed away August 14 at Joseph Creek Care Village after a long illness. He was a happy good natured man with a great love for his family. He grew up in St John, New Brunswick, one of 19 children. He had entertaining stories to tell about growing up with so many siblings. He joined the PPCLI in 1949 and was deployed in Korea from 1951-53. He briefly left the army in 1953 then rejoined in 1954. He remained in the military for 31 years, attaining an engineering technology diploma. He met Colleen, the love of his life, in New Brunswick and they married in 1954 in Chilliwack, BC. They had 2 children, Pat and Steve. They moved many times during his military career, living in various locations across Canada as well as Germany and a stint in Cyprus. When Ken retired from the armed forces, he and Colleen moved to Kelowna for 10 years. He was the maintenance superintendent of the 2 YMCA complexes there. When he retired from that position, they moved to Cranbrook to be closer to their family. He was a wonderful grandfather and actively participated in his grandchildren's lives. He was a good bowler and one year represented BC in the Senior games in Winnipeg. He also enjoyed golf and floor curling. He loved to camp and he and Colleen camped across Europe, Canada and the USA, later enjoying Eagles Nest for a few years. Ken is survived by his loving wife Colleen, his daughter Pat (Jim) and their 2 children Rob (Lisa) and Katey (Danny), and his son Steve (Bev) and their 4 children Rena (Wylie), Tanis (Mike), Colter (Ashley), Marshall (Sam). He was thrilled to have 4 great grandchildren, Ellie and Desmond Snell and Alannah and Maddie Smith. The family would like to thank the staff in Elizabeth Lake at JCCV for the wonderful care he received there as well as the Home Support Workers who also provided excellent care for him in his home. Dr. Dawson has been a tremendous support to the whole family for many years and we are very grateful for all his care. A memorial service for Ken will be held at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook at 4:00 pm on Saturday, August 18, 2018. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com