SMITH, Robert William
Mr. Robert William Smith beloved husband, father and grandfather known to all as Bob Smith, passed away unexpectedly December 14, 2016 after a short stay at the Stettler Health Care Centre from an aortic aneurysm at the age of 70 years.
Bob is survived by his wife of 49 years Fran Smith of Stettler; son Lee Smith and wife Paula of Strathmore; daughter Karen Lebsack of Grande Prairie; grandchildren: Jenna, Gavin and Samantha Smith and Hunter Lebsack who were the apple of his eye; other relatives and many dear friends. Bob was predeceased by his mother, father, and sister Carol.
Bob was born July 5, 1946 at Yorkton Saskatchewan to Bill and Mildred Smith. The family moved to Langruth, Manitoba where Bob spent his early years. They moved to Winnipeg where he finished his schooling and met his childhood friend Lloyd Spencer with whom he shared many escapades. He worked for Manitoba Telephone System for a year then moved to Calgary with several friends and worked for Alberta Telephone System finishing his apprenticeship at SAIT. He met and married Frances Ryan on November 17, 1967 and born to this union Lee and Karen. The family moved to Stettler in 1977, when Bob got a promotion to Line Foreman with AGT.
Bob became part of the community quickly, being involved in hockey, baseball, bowling, curling and golf. He joined the Elks, served on the Stettler Elks Golf and Country Club board and volunteered there for many years. Eventually he became the superintendant of the grounds crew. When Canada Post introduced the super mailboxes in Stettler Bob took the contract and delivered the mail for a number of years. When he retired he went driving truck for Philips Fertilizer (Lomond AB) during the spring season. Later he again found himself working at the SGCC.
He took great pride in his children and their involvement in sports, umpiring ball, coaching ball and hockey.
He was a proud member of AA and volunteered at functions; he believed in the program. Bob's community spirit and unique sense of humour will be missed by all he came in contact with.
A Celebration of Life will take place including an Elks fraternal service on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 2:00 PM in Stettler Funeral Home followed by a luncheon and fellowship.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation c/o Stettler Funeral Home, Box 1780, Stettler, AB, T0C 2L0. Sympathies may be forwarded to the family by signing the guestbook at
www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.
STETTLER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM, 403-742-3422, entrusted with
the care and funeral arrangements.