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ALLAN DWIGHT SMITH (SMITTY) Obituary pic

ALLAN DWIGHT SMITH (SMITTY)

Date of Passing: Apr 19, 2013

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ALLAN DWIGHT SMITH (SMITTY) Peacefully, after a lengthy illness, on Friday, April 19, 2013 Allan Dwight Smith (Smitty) passed away at his home in Selkirk. He was predeceased, at the age of 11, by his father Martin Smith. He is survived by his mother Dorothy Garnett; brother Craig Smith (Colleen); nephews, Drake and Angus; sister Brenda Kroker (Don) and nephew Justin; close cousin Maurice Hanson and family, and special friend Wendy Gerbrant. From Grades 1 to 8, Al attended Meadowdale (a one room schoolhouse) and graduated High School in Selkirk in 1970. He then obtained a B.A. in Sociology at the University of Winnipeg. He later studied Social Services, and Criminology at Red River Community College, as well as volunteering as a phone counsellor at Crisis Call. Big Al worked at a variety of jobs from Lumber Yards, to installing windows 18 stories up. Al was a history buff and Proud Metis and for years he worked at Lower Fort Garry as a interpreter, which gave him the opportunity to take school classes out snowshoeing, and rowing the York boat, which he loved. He then began his Social Services Career at the Main Street Project, then recently as a counsellor for Family Services. In his younger days Al enjoyed Tae Kwon Do, and later studied Tai Chi. Al loved bowhunting, fishing and the outdoors and he and a group of friends each built themselves beautiful wood boats, in which he and his dog could bird hunt in. Back in the 70s after Steeler games Al loved to cruise Main Street and A&W in his 70 Boss 302 Mustang. Summers he'd be on his big Harley. Allan also enjoyed trips to Mexico and Jamaica. The family would like to extend special thanks to any and all nurses, home care workers and doctors who cared for our son, brother and uncle who will be greatly missed by family and friends. Al will be reunited with his buddies Tosh and Gabe who passed away before him. If your name is Chubey, Truithwaite, Holt, Matson, Maxon, Troschuk, Griffiths, Paradowski, Bowser, Alexander or Dewar consider yourself an Honorary Pallbearer. Cremation has taken place with a Funeral Service at St. Andrews Anglican on the Red on Friday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. or join us in a "toast" to Al at Gaffers at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2013

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

  • Sorry for your loss Smith family. Al is the smartest person I have ever met and was extremly honored to be one of his friends. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. - Posted by: Roger Sutyla (friend) on: May 01, 2013

  • So sorry to hear of Smitty's passing, A real gentleman and friend. - Posted by: gil walker (friend) on: Apr 25, 2013

  • I got to know Allan when I worked with him at Family Services in Selkirk. He was a very caring person and cared about his clients. I enjoyed the many conversations I had with him about our dogs, fishing and hunting. He was a gentle soul. Rest in Peace Allan, you are free to do what you love best now. My condolences to Dorothy and all other family members. - Posted by: Maureen Paskaruk (co-worker) on: Apr 25, 2013

  • Worked with "Smitty" in the 1970s at Lower Fort Garry. Great guy with a great sense of humor. My condolences to the family. Rest in Peace Big Guy. - Posted by: Cornell Wynnobel (Friend and Co-worker) on: Apr 24, 2013

  • I'm so sorry for your loss Craig, Colleen and Family. Al will be truly missed. RIP big guy. - Posted by: Shirley Peloski (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2013

  • Smitty was a special guy. He will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Cliff Kaleski (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2013

  • I also worked with Al at Family Services. He worked with the most vulnerable clients and cared about all of them. He gave his time and would go the extra mile for all those who needed his help. We have lost another good one! See you soon! - Posted by: Rose (Co Worker) on: Apr 24, 2013

  • I will always remember our university days, late nights cramming for exams, car pooling with Al and Percy and especially hanging out with the girls. My condolences to all those who loved him. - Posted by: Sandy Truthwaite (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2013

  • I worked with AL at Family Services. AL was always pleasant and even keeled even in the most trying circumstances. He loved to talk about fishing and his dog. I am sorry to hear of his passing - Posted by: Leslie Green (co-worker) on: Apr 24, 2013

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