On the drizzly evening of September 6, 2010 our world was drastically altered by the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Kenneth Edward Smith. Ken was born on May 23, 1936 at Davidson, Sask., the third child of George and Vera (Bender) Smith. He was welcomed by older siblings Lloyd and Shirley. Tragedy struck when George was killed in 1940 before the arrival of younger sister Sharon. Raised at Loreburn, he attended Cherry Grove and Bright Schools. On December 28, 1959 Ken married Glenys Lockwood of Davidson. They started farming northeast of Davidson which was home to their children Marlis, Clinton and Blaine. Family was the most important thing in his life. The arrival of the grandchildren was the icing on the cake. Many times “Smithy” was at the neighbours helping fix or build something. A card or curling game was always welcome. He was a quiet man with dignity and a strength admired by many. Farming was so deeply ingrained in his soul less than two weeks before his death he was doing what he loved, working on the farm. Recently when asked why he went to the farm each day his reply was “because I love it”.
Ken is survived by his wife of 51 years Glenys; children Marlis and Louis Duff, Clinton and Linda Smith and Blaine and Cheryl Smith; grandchildren Rychel and Reece Smith, Parker and Sydney Smith and Kenneth Duff. Ken is also remembered by brother Lloyd and Cecile Smith and sisters Shirley and Terry Brush and Sharon Wilkins and partner Oran Reiman; as well as in-laws John and Elva Lockwood, Bob Lockwood and Jill and Dennis Knaus. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also hold the memory of Ken dear. Preceding Ken are his parents George and Vera Smith and in-laws Eugene and Reta Lockwood.
The celebration of Ken’s life was held in the Davidson United Church on Friday, September 10, 2010 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Diane Eurig officiating. The guest registers were attended by Valerie Lockwood and Marilyn Willner. Guests were ushered by Michael Beckie and Ron Morrison. Joyce Ray played many beautiful piano selections as well as providing accompaniment to soloist Karen Reich.
Memories of Dad and Grandpa were compiled by his children and grandchildren and were presented by Ken’s eldest son Clinton. Many a memory was recalled by the power point presentation. May Barr, long-time friend, recalled “Memories of a Dear Friend”.
Close friends acted as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers were Al Barr, Frank Dietz, Peter Farden, Roy Kenny, Hugh Rowe, Bob Saunders, Lynn Sentz, Dennis Soggie, Greg Thompson, Glen Vollmer, Ross Vollmer and Lorne Willner. Active Pallbearer was Gerald Kenny.
Hanson’s Funeral Home graciously handled the arrangements.
Where is Heaven?
Heaven is a place where people can go
And taste pure water
and see white winter snow.
Heaven’s a place that’s good and clean
where you can breathe the air
and the grass is always green.
Heaven’s a beautiful park
where there are birds to sing
And where you are safe after dark.
Heaven is a place
where you won’t come to harm
I lived there once
I lived on a farm.