Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
May 30, 1935
DIED
July 20, 2020
Henry SMITH Obituary
Harry had so much charisma and a larger than life personality. For those who loved him, life was full of fun and adventure.
Harry raised his kids with values. He leaves behind his loving children, Dana (Ken) Kloosterman; Kimberley (Bruno) Tassone; and James (Chanone) Smith; nine Grandchildren and fourteen Great Grandchildren.
Harry was a devoted athlete and had an illustrious Hockey career, winning the World Hockey Championship in 1961 with the Trail Smoke Eaters and the Allen Cup in 1962. There he developed friendships that lasted a lifetime and those friends always looked out for each other.
After his retirement from hockey he focused his energy on many business ventures. He never let the opportunity to make a deal go by. He always said, "Don't wait for it to happen, make it happen!" or "There's no such a word as CAN'T."
Over the years, Harry was the Imperial Oil agent in Castlegar for 25 years and moved to Victoria in 1981 when he purchased GH Birnie Plumbing and Heating. Harry's entrepreneurial ventures expanded to include many companies, notably: Save on Gas; Columbia Fuels; Coast Environmental and Enrico Winery to name a few.
Harry the grandfather was a gift to his grandkids. They will always remember the fishing trips and will miss him very much. He loved fishing, telling stories and jokes, and having a snooze on his boat where he spent many happy hours.
Harry always loved teaching and mentoring young hockey players, from coaching teams, putting on hockey schools or watching, he was always looking to impart his knowledge of the game to whoever would listen. In Harry's memory please consider a donation to your local Minor Hockey Association, it would make him proud.
A memorial service will be held however, due to COVID restrictions, the service will be for immediate family only and by invitation. The family appreciates your kind wishes and stories. Dad left big shoes to fill and we will miss him always.
Memories and Condolences
for Henry SMITH
14 Entries
Dellrae Butler
March 29, 2022
I write belatedly . Thinking of my mother and father, both deceased .
My father was the sales manager for Esso in Kelowna . And I remember being at the Pollard home and hearing much of the young ,handsome hockey player ,Harry .
Since I was born in 1947 I would wide-eyed with excitement of futures of older persons . of course I do not know all the history since but I send condolences anyway . Legends remain forever in our hearts .
Dellrae Butler ,Richmond,B.C.
Peter Dunderdale
August 11, 2020
Yes, HN was larger than life and the news of his passing last month, brought tears to my eyes, as it is a passing of an era a unique self-made man who did not have an off switch. who also secretly had a soft side.
If I could say one last thing to HN, I would say “thanks for all the memories, the good, the bad and the ugly" as those experiences added so much character to my life and to many others. He will never be forgotten by those that walked by his side... Condolences to all the extended family... from someone who was proud to be thought of as his friend... Pistol Pete
Bob McCallum
July 29, 2020
Dear Dana, Kim, Jim, and family,
It was with great sadness that Bev and I learned about Harry’s passing. Your well written obit described him perfectly – ‘Harry had so much charisma and a larger than life personality’. We have a number of personal memories including fishing at Stuart Island with Harry and our dad, our family get togethers in Castlegar and Powell River and sitting with him at the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. We feel very fortunate to call Harry a great family friend.
Sincerely,
The McCallum family
Andy, Ang, Bev, and Bob
Carol Roche
July 28, 2020
Our condolences to Harry’s family.
He was my cousin and my hero hockey player growing up. I’ll never forget the souvenirs he brought back for me from Europe when they won the world championships! He was bigger than life and wish we had connected more.
Last time I saw him was at the induction into the Hall of Fame in Kelowna along with my father in law Brian Roche.
He will be missed!!!
Pat and Lynn
July 28, 2020
HN was larger than life. Tough as hell but a teddy bear inside. Generous to a fault, always charismatic with his great stories and bad jokes that made us laugh so hard. HN was a good mentor and a better friend. We will deeply miss the big guy.
Steve hawkins
July 28, 2020
Had many great times with HN. I will miss the fun times I had with him. My condolences to the family.
Mari and Norbert lazaro
July 27, 2020
Our sincerest condolences to the entire family,
To say Harry had a larger than life personality doesn't do his justice as he was truly one of a kind. We will miss his great stories and boisterous laugh and he will always hold a special place in our hearts.
With Love
Maria and Norberto Lazaro
debra young
July 27, 2020
I had the supreme privilege to be his physio a few years back What a strong work ethic he had. ! A lovely charming man who loved his hockey. Play on Harry play on ! Debra
debra young
July 27, 2020
I had the supreme privilege of being his physio a few years ago. A wonderful strong and engaging man who truly loved hockey Rest In Peace Harry play on.! debra y
Gerald Hartwig
July 25, 2020
My sincere condolences Harry was an incredible guy . He was the type of friend you didn’t have to see for years and you could pick up where you left off as if it was yesterday. As tuff as he was he had a heart of gold and the best hockey coach any kid could ask for He will be missed but never forgotten in our house hold
Rick Cheveldave
July 25, 2020
Harry lives on in many memories of friends and family of the neighborhood in Castlegar. He had impact in my life as a hockey coach and a neighbour. A generous man with his time and belongings, for a child of the informative years. RIP Harry Smith.
Alan Last
July 25, 2020
he world has lost another great man! RIP Harry you will be missed❤
Dora
July 25, 2020
What a great man , was so lucky to have met and worked for him and his family,so many fun times and stories,he was so good to my family I am so sad for everyone in his family,he was a presence you would never forget.Rest in peace Harry thanks for the memories xo
Randy Johnson
July 25, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss Harry meant the world to me he will always be remembered by me as my friend and maybe the best boss I ever had I loved him a lot
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results