DONALD WILLIAM SMART, SENIOR

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WO (RETIRED) DONALD WILLIAM SMART, SR. It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our dear father and grandfather, Donald Smart Sr., on November 21, 2018, with his loving family by his side. Don will be greatly missed by his family: daughter Wendy (Mark) of Spruce Grove, Alberta; son Donald Jr. (special friend Lori), (daughter-in-law Maria) and daughter Jody (Brent) of Winnipeg. Left to cherish Grandpa's memories will be his eight grandchildren, Hilary, Tanya, Donna, Brandon, Michael, Paige, Meghan and Haylee; as well as his nine great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind to mourn his two sisters, Betty and Audrey (Stan); extended family and many special friends including his longtime friend Art King, Daisy Dales and the backroom boys. Don was predeceased by his parents, William and Ethel Smart; his brothers, Allan and Barry, and sisters, Muriel, Jean, Vera and Dorothy. Don was born November 9, 1932 in Souris, MB. Don and Elsie met in Dominion City, MB, where they fell in love and got married on December 11, 1954 at the Young United Church in Winnipeg. Don joined the R.C.A.F. in February 1951 being posted to Aylmer, Clinton, Trenton, Winnipeg where he was awaiting his Top-Secret Security Clearance before going to Whitehorse. Then it was off to St. Margrets, Winnipeg, Lahr, Germany, Shilo, St. Johns and lastly where he retired in Winnipeg in March 1989. During his military career he was awarded the Centennial, Jubilee, Special Service, Canadian Service and was appointed as a Member of the Order of Military Merit. Dad was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4, where he received his life membership. He served as Sergeant at Arms and also on the Colour Party. Dad was always involved in his children and grandchildren's lives. Teaching and coaching everything from hockey, curling and baseball - if he wasn't on the bench or the bleachers, he was in the stands saying "Nice shot Alice!". Dad was an avid curler, playing in many bonspiels and leagues with his family and friends. Some of his favourite hobbies included keeping a pristine home, yard and garden. He was very handy and loved to putt around the yard. Don also enjoyed spending his Fridays at the Legion with the Backroom Boys, where they played cards all night while they waited for the meat draw. Dad was the life of every family get-together and always had a joke to tell. Special thank you to Ursula, Lois and Roswell and all staff at the Charleswood Personal Care Home for taking special care of him. A celebration of Dad's life will be held on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at 17 Wing Chapel, 2235 Silver Ave., Winnipeg, MB. Honorary pallbearers will be Art King, Daisy Dales, Kenny Arsenault, Fred Augier, Doug Thomas, Mike Taylor and Georgee Toews. Following the service, a luncheon and reception will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch #4) located at 1755 Portage Ave. If friends so desire donations can be made to a charity of your choice. For those who wish to sign Neil Bardal Funeral Centre's online Guest Book please visit our website at neilbardalinc.com "We have an Angel watching over us, and we call him Dad and Grandpa" "PER ARDUA AD ASTRA" NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 01, 2018