Eugene Lawrence Smith. 16 March 1936 - 24 November 2011. "Gene" passed away peacefully on Thursday 24 November 2011 at the Chilliwack General Hospital at the young age of 75. He was born in Saskatoon, SK on 16 March 1936 and raised in Kelowna BC. Gene was the first of 6 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Smith. He is survived by his siblings, Lucille (Decoteau), Dan, Louise (York), Yvonne (Clarke), Anita and was predeceased by his sister Lorraine (Johnson). He married his bride, Serena Nancy-Ann (Bryson) while they were both enlisted in the RCAF and stationed in Clinton, ON. They had 6 children. Gene was predeceased by his youngest son Alan Joseph and is survived by daughters Rhonda, Karen (Riley), Kelly and sons Danny and Patrick. He will also be sadly missed by both his son-in-law Raymond Riley and daughter-in-law Jane Smith and his 10 grandchildren, Kaylee, Maggie, Jennifer, Racheal, Bobby, Jonathan (Natalie), Karen, Alex, Amanda and Chris and great granddaughter Lillian. Dad enjoyed his large family and especially the times when his family got together as they are literally spread between both coasts due largely in part to his 27 yr military career which allowed Dad to take his family to Ontario, France, Nova Scotia and Alberta. Dad also worked with the Canada Corrections at Kent until his retirement. Dad enjoyed camping, gardening, relaxing but especially enjoyed those times when he was helping those less fortunate whether it was assisting handicapped children at riding classes in Chilliwack, umpiring an Agassiz Minor Baseball League game or simply attending the Glenwood Manor Day Care where he offered free smiles, kind words or just a sympathetic ear.
A grave site service will be held at the Agassiz Valley View Cemetery at a later date. The Family wishes to extend their heart felt thanks and appreciation to all the staff at Glenwood Manor, Chilliwack General Hospital and Dr. L Macintosh for their compassion and support. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to the Canadian MS Society.