Ty Smith

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Ty; husband of Mary Ellen (nee Lawrence) Smith.

Ty was predeceased by son James Arthur Smith. He leaves as his legacy daughters Mary-Jane Hale and husband Frank; Barbara Joan Smith; grandchildren Christopher Harris and wife Karen Lawrie, Aimee Fortier and husband Chris, Jennifer Janz and husband Don Brereton, James Janz; Jessica Williams and husband John, and Matthew and Patrick Smith; great-grandchildren, Stephen Janz, Ailie and Emma Harris, Ethan and Gryphon Fortier, and Rhy and Bex Williams.

Ty was born to Hazel Irene Davis and James Arthur Smith in Sussex, New Brunswick. He began his working career in the Bank of Nova Scotia in St. John, New Brunswick. He and Mary met when he was transferred to Windsor, Nova Scotia. On February 21, 1942 they were married. Ty immediately joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as a flight sergeant and was posted to Labrador. After the war Ty and Mary were transferred to St. John, then onwards to Edmonton, Regina and Brandon. He went into private business in Brandon where the family lived for many years. Following an expansion of the business, and move to Winnipeg Ty and Mary moved further west to Calgary, eventually settling in Canmore after Ty's retirement.

Ty loved classical music and skiing, and Mary was the perfect ski buddy. Together they skied the mountains around Canmore for 30 years. In addition they enjoyed working with their sled dogs and horses. They were also avid hikers and bikers, coming to know and love every nook and cranny of their Rocky Mountain home.

Ty was many things to many people but few knew of his many accomplishments and awards. He savoured his titles but was very modest about the many things he did in life and was very active in service in Canmore. He served on the Hospital Board, Regional Housing Committee, Canmore Legion, Sled Dog Race Committee, Chamber of Commerce, Canmore Museum, PC Party, Rotary Club and Cascade Branch of the Masonic Lodge. In addition he was an Honorary Dr. Of Laws and Humanities and served as the chargé d'affaires for the country of Mali in Northern Africa. Much of his service was in leadership roles. Ty served as President of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, held the rank of Lt. Col in the 26th Field Artillery and was a Knight of Malta, Order of St. John of Jerusalem. A very great honour was to have been nominated for the Order of Canada. His most important role in life was as patriarch of his family and although he was awarded the title of Sir, to us he was our beloved Dad and Papa.

To all who knew him, our Dad was an inspiration, a mentor and always a great friend. He was an active member of the community, rising to challenges and working hard to ensure a better place for future generations. With his great sense of humour, quick wit and intelligence Dad's active participation on many committees, boards and in groups was a pleasure for all who worked with him. Dad had a strong personality and steely determination to always keep moving forward. He had a playful, youthful spirit of adventure, displaying courage and fearlessness in all his endeavours. He never ever gave up and always did his best. It is likely that Dad will already have organized the first Rotary Club of Heaven!

While his passing is a great loss to so many, we are forever grateful to have had Dad in our lives. He had a life very well lived. Go well Dad and save a place for us. Until we meet again. We love you.

A celebration of Ty's life was held on Saturday, December 4, 2010 in the St. Michael's Anglican Church Hall, Canmore.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.