July 13, 2021
With sadness the family of Dr. D.M.(Mel) Smith announce his passing at 93 yrs on Tuesday July 13, 2021.
He is survived by Betty his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, his four daughters Kathy (Ross) Hill, Maureen Smith, Debbie Smith and Heather Smith. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren Jane (Owen) Hill, Joel (Rob) Hill, Alex (Josh) Thorne, Laura Thorne and Emma Thorne and many nieces and nephews.
Mel is predeceased by his grandson Jared Hill, his parents David and Kathleen Smith and his siblings Roxy Quick, Edwin Smith, Keith (Laura) Smith, Lois (Orlan) Rye and Anne Stanford.
Mel was born and raised in Quesnel BC and after adventures in the Cariboo he attended UBC in Vancouver where he met Betty and graduated from medical school in 1955. Mel and Betty then settled in the Cowichan Valley where they raised their family and took summer trips to Dragon lake.
Mel spent his career as a family physician in Duncan BC where he enjoyed his patients, colleagues and staff, retiring from practice in 1991. In his spare time, Mel loved to be out on his boat dragging a bucktail fly whether in Qualicum Beach or up the Alberni canal.
Mel was an active member of the Duncan community and Curling Club. Many pranks and wonderful memories were made during countless fishing trips, hunting trips, bonspiels and chocolate bar hunts with friends and family.
In 1993 Mel and Betty moved to Qualicum Beach and began their new life as retirees. Much of his time was spent on the links honing his new hobby, golfing. Even the challenge of having a stroke did not keep him off the golf course and he managed to achieve a hole in one on two separate occasions. A lifetime of good friends in the Cowichan Valley and Qualicum Beach were very important to Mel and there was always a story to be told and a laugh to be shared.
We are grateful to the many kindnesses of the staff at the Gardens in Qualicum Beach, who cared for him this past year while Covid prevented us from being with him. It was wonderful to see him looking so well when visiting was allowed. Above all, Mel loved spending time with family. He leaves us knowing he was loved beyond measure.
Family service.
Condolences may be sent at www.dignitymemorial.com
Donations to Diabetes Canada appreciated.