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Gary SMITH Obituary
Gary Dwayne Smith passed away suddenly November 11, 2015 at the age of 69 years.The son of J.O. and Rebecca Smith, was raised at Poplar Haven Farms just north of Wimborne. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Alberta before returning home to farm and ranch with his father and brothers Ron and Robert. Some of his fondest memories were competing alongside Robert and friend Lorne Howard in rodeos throughout Western Canada first as bull riders and eventually as calf ropers. Gary was also involved the livestock export business and has worked throughout Mexico, Columbia, Brazil, Uruguay, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Russia, Kazakhstan and Asia. He has also served as a judge of beef cattle in many international livestock exhibitions. Gary is survived by his wife Kristine; son Guy (Emily); daughter Kelly (Scott) Fraser; Gary's pride and joy, his grandchildren Brayden Taylor and Tilden Smith and Alex, Becca, Jill and Aubrey Fraser; sisters Cleo Ross and Donna Bennett; brother Ron (Ruth) Smith; sister-in-law Annette Smith; brother-in-law Jess Block and sister-in-law Andrea (Walton) Van Dyke; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. He is joined in heaven by his parents, brother Robert, brothers-in-law Jim Ross and Bill Bennett along with a few special cronies from across the cattle industry. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday November 20, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the Olds Cow Palace (5116 54 St.) Olds, AB. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Innisfail entrusted with arrangements. 403-227-0006
www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
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11 Entries
David Wong
December 19, 2015
Kristine
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gary. He was the first one to ship live beef cattle from Alberta to China and I was lucky enough to travel with him on several trips to China. We kept in touch throughout the years even after the China market closed due to BSE.
The one thing I remember of Gary was his great and warped sense of humor. No matter how tough or rotten the situation (and we had many in the early days in China) he would always make fun of the situation. Like the time we had to travel back to China because one of the bulls that he sold did not perform and we had to go and face the problem and probably give a refund. I don't know what Gary whispered into the bull's ear but he came thru and Gary just had the biggest smile and "and what's the problem?" (They killed the bull 2 weeks after we left because, that was the only time he performed)
Every time I drove past the Wimborne sign on highway 2, I would think of Gary, now with a sad tug of the heart.
We will all miss him and I just want to express my prayers and condolences to you and family.
Terry Smith
November 26, 2015
I am sorry for your loss, Kristine and family. I appreciated Gary. I learned of his passing too late to attend his funeral.
GLENN KEDDIE
November 26, 2015
SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES OF FUN TIMES AT U/A CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE FAMILY
Bonny Voice
November 21, 2015
Dear Kristine and family,
My care and support is with all of you at this sad and difficult time. Not so long ago Gary was sitting in the stands at Agribition comforting me and now it's my turn to do the same for his family. Please know that my best thoughts, support, and caring are with all of you at this time.
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Marlin Murphy
November 20, 2015
I would like to express my condolences to Kristine and family. I had always planned to make my way up to the Wimborne country, and spend time with Gary who I enjoyed at the U of A and during rodeos. We had many laughs and good times. One should not put off these little trip in life, and I am sorry I put off this one! So sorry he is gone before I could renew our friendship.
from the "Dwarf"
Gary Sargent
November 20, 2015
My condolences Kristine, Guy & Family. I got to know Big Gary Smith at U of A in ag classes, at Bar None activities & at the Hovel that he shared with guys like Scott McKay. We had the chance to keep our university friendship going during his frequent visits to the beef cattle association offices in Calgary and at activities that were part of US cattlemen's events. Gary was a leader in the beef cattle export business & everywhere he went he seemed to know everyone. And he always had time to visit & socialize. His time as husband, father & grandfather was cut far too short.
My thoughts are with you all.
Bill Morison
November 20, 2015
Kristine & family
So sorry for your loss
November 19, 2015
To a great "COWBOY" friend. Gordie Aaskow & Lyndsay Matthews
November 19, 2015
For a great "COWBOY" friend: Gordie Aaskow & Lyndsay Matthews
November 19, 2015
Keith Coates
November 19, 2015
Brian Kitchen
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
4415 49 Street, Innisfail, AB T4G 1P3
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