July 16, 1961 - October 10, 2024
In loving memory ~
Hugh Smythe, a hooftrimmer of 34 years and resident of Parksville, BC, passed unexpectedly on October 10, 2024 at the age of 63.
Hugh is survived by his wife Shawna; his mother-in-law Judy; his children Austin James (Nickole), Colter Anthony Houston (Natasha), Dakota Jackson (Ava), Melanie Marion; his grandkids Lincoln Wayne, Grayson William, and Donovan Chad; his siblings Larry, Alan (Susan), Wendy (Bruce), Sherry (Richard), and Jan (Dan). He is predeceased by parents Wentworth and Mabel, and his sister Carol.
Born in Salmon Arm on July 16, 1961 to Wentworth and Mabel Smythe. Hugh took an early lead on independence moving to Merritt at 16. Hugh started a 13-year career as a bull rider by attending Johnsen's Bull Riding School at 13 years of age. This sparked a lifelong love for cattle that led him to become a Cow Calf Admin graduating from Olds School of Agriculture in 1979, working with ranches across BC. On Father's Day, 1990, his fate was changed forever as he was introduced to the world of hooftrimming at a carwash in Courtenay, something he would champion over the next 34 years. 3 short months later Hugh married his soulmate Shawna. Together, across 2 moves and 8 years, what started as a young couple and a new company grew into a young family, welcoming 3 sons: Austin, Colter, and Dakota.
After 10 years of living by the motto "mud is thicker than blood", the Smythe clan gained a sister, Melanie, during Hugh's time training her dog. Melanie would continue on to make Hugh a Papa, having 3 boys: Lincoln, Grayson, and Donovan. Not only did Hugh cherish his own children but welcomed their life partners as integral parts of his heart, welcoming Nickole, Natasha and Ava as his own blood.
Hugh wore a lot of hats during his time with us. A bull rider, rancher, cow calf admin, commercial diver, commercial fisherman, head planer, mechanic and hooftrimmer, to name a few. But the hats he was proudest to wear were husband, father, and papa.
A funeral service will be held for Hugh on Monday, October 28th at 11:00am at Yates Memorial Services on Allsbrook Road, Parksville.
The family requests photos and stories in memoriam of Hugh to be emailed to MemoriesOfHugh@gmail.com.
Service Details
11:00 AM