Obituary of Gerald Smith

Gerald Smith passed away at the Lloydminster Hospital, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at the age of 81 years. Gerald will be sadly missed by: his loving wife, Kay, five children: Gary Smith, Deb (Gary) Mann, Tom Smith, Barb Wyse and Gerald Jr. (Sharlene) Smith; sister, Margaret; twelve grandchildren and two great-grand children. Donations in memory of of Gerald may be made to the Lloydminster Regional Health Foundation. EULOGY by: Kay Smith & Barb Wyse Gerald Henry Duncan Smith was born in Dryden, Ontario on May 15, 1933. His mom said that he was almost born on the train from Ignace, Ontario to Dryden which might explain his love of trains and his father's career as a CPR station agent. He met his future wife when he was 10 years old and she was 8 at East Selkirk, Manitoba. His father was the station agent there and his paramour was the only girl in the area with a flush toilet. Both families grew as friends and Gerry married his bride on May 1, 1954 at the Verheul farm. After attaining his Bachelor of Arts degree, Gerry joined the Eaton's team in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He would stay with Eatons for the next 22 years and 5 children. From Winnipeg to Kenora, Ontario, back to Winnipeg then to Regina and finally Lloydminster. Gerry rose through the ranks from sales rep to store manager. His sales savvy won him 2 trips: one to Rimini, Italy and one to Martinique. In Lloydminster, Gerry saw which way the Eatons wind was blowing. He had met a character named Archie Miller who encouraged him to join Sunlife Insurance. Under Archie's tutorage, Gerry found enjoyment in helping others feel secure about their future. He was named president of the Lion's Club and president of the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce. Gerry ever served a term as a city alderman. He loved this community but gently refused the calls to run for mayor. He said that, as mayor, half the people would love him and half would hate him and that was too much by half. For a time, Gerry was Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus here in Lloydminster. He truly enjoyed being a small part of all the good works supported by the Knights. He was proud to belong to the 4th degree Knights and happily performed whatever duties he could. In 1999, Gerry retired and settled in to, as he called it, his "condo with an acreage" at Miller Drive. He would take his coffee outside, patrol the pie-shaped lot, fill the many bird feeders and play the occasional game of horseshoes. Speaking of games, anyone who has ever been near Gerry when he was watching his precious Eskimos or Oilers has heard his victory cry of "Yee Haw" at every goal. Fist pumping was optional; chili at every Grey Cup was mandatory. Gerry loved his dogs and tended his garden: roto-tilling, fertilizing, weeding, watering and harvesting with all the care that made him a special friend, co-worker, nurse (a nod to Mom), Grandpa, uncle, brother, husband of over 60 years and father. In fact, whenever he was greeted with, "How are you doing Gerry?" he would often reply "Trying to be good!" When really, he never had to try. PRAYERS Prayers of Intercession for Gerry Smith. For Gerry who in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life, that he may now be admitted to the company of the saints. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord Hear our prayer For Gerry who ate the body of Christ, the Bread of life, that he may be raised up on the Last day. We pray to the Lord. R:Lord Hear our prayer For our deceased relatives and friends and for all who have helped us, that they may have the reward of their goodness. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord Hear our prayer For those who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again, that they may see God face to face. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord Hear my prayer For the family and friends of our brother Gerry, that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord Hear our prayer For all of us assembled here to worship in faith. That we may be gathered together again in God's kingdom. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord Hear our prayer POEM Look at this man; an honest face Even though the years may have left their trace. A pleasant outlook, a fine attitude Always happy to see you, never abrupt or rude. A spiritual man whose voice conveys The sincerity of the readings at Church on Sundays. A father of five, all frown and moved out But welcoming them back no matter what it's about. A husband of sixty years next May Sharing his love in a soul mate way. An uncle, a Grandpa, a brother, a friend Eighty years strong and not yet the end! With love from your daughter Barb