Roger SMITH

With sadness we announce the passing of Roger Smith on Sunday July 22, 2012. Roger was born in Sialkot, India on March 11, 1922. He will be deeply missed by his son David (Kim) and daughter Christine; grandchildren Ryan (Annie), Rebecca (Mark), and Sean and Colleen, and great-grandsons Harrison and Bradley. Roger and Kit were the adopted "grandparents" to the McBride girls, and will be missed by Sheri, Christina and Kathleen and their parents Keith and Pearl. Roger was predeceased by his parents Edward and Florence Smith, his brother Peter and sister Caryl, and by his dear wife Kit. Born in India, Roger grew up in England, and joined the army at an early age, serving Britain during and after WWII. The Smiths immigrated to Canada in 1956, where Roger found work with CARL, later Litton Systems, Garrett Manufacturing and Permali Canada in the Toronto area. Vacationing on Vancouver Island in 1976, Roger and Kit discovered Qualicum Beach and decided to move there in 1977. Roger will be remembered for his warm, friendly manner, his love of friends and family and his garden. He loved to chat about gardening, sharing tips, seeds and cuttings. Soon after moving to Qualicum Beach, Roger started his own gardening and handyman business and did very well. He was a skilled carpenter, and loved to potter in his workshop, working on various projects. Roger took a keen interest in local government affairs and was not afraid to make his point at council meetings. With Kit he enjoyed many camping trips around Canada and the US. Roger and Kit also enjoyed trips to Hawaii, an anniversary cruise to the Canary Islands, and numerous visits back to the UK and Ontario to visit family and friends. Sincere gratitude to the caring staff at Stanford Place in Parksville and The Lodge at Broadmead in Victoria who have taken expert and compassionate care of Dad over the last four years. A memorial service to celebrate Roger's life will be held at Yates Funeral Home, 1000 Allsbrook Rd Parksville on August 7 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favourite charity in Roger's name.

YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM (250-248-5859) in care of arrangements.


This obituary was originally published in the Oceanside Star (Parksville, BC).