Donald SMITH

SMITH, Donald Allen
October 11, 1931 – Mervin, Saskatchewan
July 24, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta
Don Smith of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at the age of 84 years, following a long and well-lived life. Donald Allen Smith was born at home near Mervin, SK on October 11, 1931, the eldest son of Walter Smith and Gladys Waite. Don and his family moved from Mervin to North Battleford, SK in 1944, where Don was active in the Sea Cadets, the Kinsman Band, various sports, singing in a quartet and choir, and playing for dances. He worked in the farm implement business for 5 years before attending the University of Saskatchewan, where he graduated with a BSc in Geological Engineering in 1958. During his time at university he participated in various musicals, sports, and student activities. Don met Shirley Lockerbie at a musical event, while he was attending university, and they were married in 1959. She truly was the love of his life. Upon graduation, Don joined Sun Oil as a junior geologist and he spent 30 years with Sun Oil and Suncor. His job took him to Regina and Estevan, SK, Wonowon and Dawson Creek, BC and Dallas, Texas, with the majority of his career spent in Calgary. Don retired in 1987 as Suncor's Executive Vice President, where he oversaw all Canadian exploration and production. He thoroughly enjoyed his career. Retirement lasted only a month before he took the position of VP Team 88 Services with the Calgary Olympic Committee, an exciting and enjoyable job. This job ceased when the Olympics was done, after which Don and son Dave, also a geologist, had a small consulting company, D-Two Resources, for a number of years. Shirley and Don loved travelling, and visited over 60 countries and every continent except Antarctica. For the past 25 years, they spent part of every year in Victoria, BC, where they spent time with daughter Karen and her family. Don's family has always been the highlight of his life. He loved the outdoors, and enjoyed daily walks, golf, and scenic country drives. After retiring, he was an avid genealogist, and researched family history with daughter Kelli. He enjoyed fishing, and over the years shared time salmon fishing on the West Coast with every family member. Family was Don's passion, and he engaged in meaningful and ongoing activities with each person. Don and Shirley arranged a wonderful family trip to Kenya in 2009 to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Don is survived by his loving wife Shirley, their children Kelli (Doug) Taylor and David (Emma) Smith, of Calgary, and Karen (Jeff) Smith of Victoria; grandchildren Jasper, Finlay, Dylan, Rachelle, Braedon, Teagan, and Aiden; sister-in-law Marion Smith, brothers Lynne (Marie) and Robert (Karen), brother-in-law David (Orla) Lockerbie, and extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Glen. The family sincerely thanks the staff and volunteers at Rosedale Hospice in Calgary. A celebration of Don's life will be held at St. Giles Presbyterian Church (1102 - 23rd Avenue N.W.) on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. A private committal of the ashes will take place before the service. If so desired, memorial tributes may be made to Rosedale Hospice or to the Salvation Army. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com