Obituary of Ed Smith

Obituary Dean Edward (Ed) Smith was born October 21, 1928 in Champion, Alberta the only son and youngest child of Dean and Linna (Boyd) Smith. After completing high school in Calgary, Ed followed his parents north to Fort St. John where he began his working life in retail, eventually rising to management at the Fort St. John Co-op. In 1950 Ed married Martha Goble of Fort St. John, who brought two daughters to the union. He became a husband and father on the same day. Ed and Martha parted ways in the 70's and in 1978 he married Barbara Pennock of Victoria. In 1960 Ed became a Chartered Life Underwriter for Great West Life, an association he maintained for nearly 20 years. Ed's lifelong interest in politics began in the 1960's. He was an Alderman for the City of Fort St. John and in 1966 was elected to his first term as MLA for North Peace River, serving until 1979, the last 3 years as Speaker. In 1980 he was appointed Chairman of the Mediation and Arbitration Board, a position he held until 1993. Not quite ready to retire, he started his own consulting business and kept active for the next several years. Always interested in his community, Ed was involved in many local organizations throughout his life; Jaycees, the Masons, the Legion and Lake Point Golf & Country Club where he was one of the original founding Directors. A few years ago he was delighted to be awarded a Lifetime Membership in appreciation of his years of service. Always an avid golfer, he still played the occasional round, although he stopped keeping a score card. Ed loved his extended family and they were always a priority in his life. He kept in touch with as many as he could, trying never to miss acknowledging a special day. He liked nothing better than to visit with friends and family - talking politics, community events and golf. He always put others first. Ed was predeceased by his parents Dean and Linna, sisters Hazel Smith, Roberta Stair and Helen Campbell. He leaves to mourn his passing, Barbara, his devoted wife of 31 years, stepdaughters Vivian (Ralph) Tod of Armstrong, B.C., Lillian (John) Davidson of Brentwood Bay, B.C., Martha Smith, sister-in-law Kathy (Paul) Dale of Shawnigan Lake, B.C., and brother-in-law Stephen Pennock of Langley, B.C., 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and many caring friends and neighbours. Services