Paul Donald SMITH
April 2, 1925 – January 17, 2016
Passed away peacefully at NRGH
Paul was born in Edmonton to parents Paul & Hazel Smith. He was the eldest of five children; Robert (Mary), Patricia (deceased 1952), Donna (Art), and Dianne (Bob), all in Alberta. Paul served his country proudly in the Royal Canadian Navy in WWII. He was 17 when he signed up.
Paul began a career in the printing business. At the age of 47 he decided to become a teacher, earning his B of Ed. He was a vocational teacher with Edmonton Public Schools. Then in 1981 he moved to Parksville and enjoyed 18 years of substitute teaching.
Sports were always a passion for Paul: hockey, curling and bicycle racing in Alberta. After moving to Parksville, he umpired local ball teams. Parkinsons disease slowed down his body, but he always kept up with his favorite sports on T.V.
Paul is survived and will be dearly missed by Susan, loving wife of 44 years. Also, Paul has a large family that will mourn his passing. Six sons, Robert (Mary), Dwain (Millie), Randy (Linda), Barry (Jennifer), Lyle, Barrett Jay (Gwen) and two daughters, Darlene (deceased 2001), & Bobbi Sue (Martin). Paul has 15 grandchildren living across the country, but was able to enjoy visits with his grandson Lincoln of Nanaimo. He has several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grand nieces/nephews, cousins and his wife’s extended family.
Paul packed a lot into his 90 years. He was a modest man with a quiet sense of humor. He loved to travel, go camping and boating.
A Celebration of Life for Paul will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 in Qualicum Beach on Wednesday, January 27 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Paul’s memory by making a donation to the Parkinson Society of BC.
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesfuneral.ca
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM
(250-248-5859) in care of arrangements.