Fred “Smitty” Smith
July 18, 1936 - November 14, 2022
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our cherished Dad. “Smitty” to virtually all who knew him, Fredrick Leonard Smith was born in Regina and lived in Moose Jaw most of his life. He is predeceased by the love of his life Carol (Nant), his parents Percy and Agnes (Cozine) and father-in-law Earl Nant. Fred will be mourned by his son Trevor and daughter-in-law Leanne (Scholpp); his daughter Julie and son-in-law David Nykiforuk and his beloved grandchildren Sarah and Conner Bjornson, Benjamin and Elena; and his family of friends.
Fred left home at the young age of fourteen. He had a love for horses and made his way by following the harness racing circuit and doing odd jobs around the stables. His adventures even took him to Montreal. Eventually Fred ended up working as a horse handler for the Carling’s Brewery racing squad. Later, Fred would work for Massey Ferguson selling farm equipment. Fred met Carol at a horse show in 1956 and they spent the rest of their lives together.
Fred completed his senior matriculation and his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Saskatchewan. Fred and Carol moved their young family to Moose Jaw in 1971 where Fred became an instructor in the business program at S.T.I. which later became SIAST. He loved teaching, his students and especially his colleagues.
Fred was a lover of golf and curling and was proud to serve on the Hill Crest Golf and Curling Club’s board of directors and the planning committees for the men and women’s junior world curling championships. In his early 40’s Fred became afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis which left him unable to curl but his love for golf and his stubborn determination kept him golfing far longer than anyone would have expected.
Fred and Carol spent their early retirement years being snowbirds – summers at their place at Buffalo Pound Lake and winters in Mesa, Arizona, where many of his SIAST friends also wintered. When Carol passed in 2010 part of Fred went with her. He spent some time at the lake and in Moose Jaw and then moved to an apartment in Davidson to be near Julie and David.
While in Davidson, one of the highlights of Fred’s week was going to Bridge Club where he enjoyed playing cards and kibitzing with his bridge mates. The last few years Fred lived at the Davidson and District Health Centre. He passed peacefully in the early hours of November 14th surrounded by the love of his children.
All who knew him will remember his booming laugh and the joy he found in their friendship. Friends are invited to celebrate Fred’s life at the Masonic Hall in the Moose Jaw Shrine Club on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.
We would like to thank the excellent staff at the Davidson Health Centre for the loving care they provided for Fred. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please consider donating to the Davidson and District Health Centre Trust. (Cheques to be made out to Town Of Davidson).
Arrangements in care of Hanson’s Funeral Service, Davidson, SK.
