Donald Bruce Smith

Donald Bruce Smith was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on May 14, 1929, to his parents Adelaide & Frederick Smith. The family moved to Regina when Don was 3 years old along with his younger brother, David. Eventually the family moved to Edmonton, where Don attended Connaught Public School and Eastwood High School.

While attending Eastwood High, Don participated in sport activities, especially basketball. In Grade 12, at the request of the school staff, he coached both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The women’s basketball team won the basketball championship for Alberta, with Don as coach. It was a volunteer contribution greatly appreciated by the school and an indication of Don’s lifelong passion to volunteer his time and expertise, in many different areas and on many occasions.

After graduation from Eastwood High School, Don was accepted by the University of Alberta to study Civil Engineering. During his university years, Don connected with a dynamic group of friends. Some of these contacts, namely, Ole Nielsen, Keith Aldridge and Jack Allford, became Don’s lifelong friends.

Don graduated from the University of Alberta in Civil Engineering in June 1954. Following graduation, he accepted a position with Armco Steel Company, Canada, starting as a Sales Engineer for Alberta.

Don had an exceptional career with Armco Steel Canada for 41 years. In 1972, Don was transferred to Richmond, British Columbia, to become the manager for sales for Armco Steel, for all the western provinces.

In 1977, Don was appointed to the position of Vice-President and General Manager of Armtec Canada, at the Head Office in Guelph Ontario. He lived in Guelph and held this position for 17 years, until his retirement in 1994.

Though divorced, Don kept in touch with his children, Todd, Dean and Christy, who live in Alberta. Don cared deeply for his children and would travel to Alberta as much as possible, to visit with them. His children also made trips to Guelph to visit Don. Eventually, that included family visits to Abbotsford, with their spouses and their growing families.

Throughout his career, Don held senior positions in many industry related organizations, as well as various community organizations, including:

* Chairman of the Edmonton Branch of the Engineering Institute of Canada

* President of the Corrugated Steel Pipe Institute of Canada

* Vice President and member of the Board of Directors of Court Galvanizing Ltd

* Chairman of the New Hospital Building Committee, member of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee at St Joseph’s Hospital and Home in Guelph, Ontario

* donated blood to the Red Cross many times during his lifetime

In the spring of 1991, while living in Guelph, Don met Grace, a successful music educator, teaching in Kitchener, Ontario. After a wonderful courtship, it was clear that Don & Grace wanted to share their lives forever. And so, on August 7, 1993, they exchanged wedding vows at the Cutten Club in Guelph Ontario, celebrating with many family members and long time friends.

Upon retirement in June, 1994, it was Don’s enduring wish to once again live in British Columbia. After much discussion and preparation, Don & Grace eventually moved to Abbotsford, BC, in July, 1996.

Don, now a full-time retiree, pursued his many interests in Abbotsford, with great energy.

Don’s interests included:

 *Chairman of the Abbotsford Community Health Committee, providing Health Forums to the citizens of Abbotsford, a highly successful venture

* joined the Abbotsford Curling Club and served on the Executive Committee as Treasurer

* played bridge many times a week

* completed many woodworking projects in his workshop, with family and friends benefiting from his handiwork

* built a model airplane and flew it remotely in nearby Chilliwack

* played the Hammond organ

* worked at the computer

* participated in curling events at the Abbotsford Curling Club

* had a great passion for skiing, Don skied well into his 70s

* loved to discuss politics

Living in Abbotsford meant being closer to Don’s children, Todd, Dean and Christy and their families in Alberta and BC. Frequent trips were made over the years, connecting with them and the grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially in summer and at Christmas.

Don also connected with his brother, Dave and his wife, Lena, who lived in Kelowna. Don & Grace enjoyed many trips over the Coquihalla, exchanging visits with them.

Frequent visits with Grace’s family and friends in Ontario were also highlights in their travels. In addition, there were wonderful memories of visits with family and friends who came to visit in Abbotsford.

When Grace retired in 2006, Don & Grace had many more memorable memories of travel throughout Europe, sometimes by river boat travel and train, as well as several cruises on the Panama Canal, Alaska and the Caribbean.

A life well lived, Don was deeply loved by his wife, Grace, by his family and friends and respected by his colleagues.

Donald Bruce Smith is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Grace Smith, who will forever miss him. Loved by his three children, Todd (Sharon), Dean (Patty) and Christy (Richard).

Known as “Gramps” and loved by his grandchildren, Cory, Dayna (Wayne) and Marin, (Todd’s children); Christopher & Samantha, (Dean’s children); and Brendan (Amelia), Taylor (Paige) and Kevan, (Christy’s children). Also loved by four great-grandchildren, Hudson, Gabriel, and Adelaide, (Dayna & Wayne’s children), and Benny, (Christopher’s child).

Donald will also be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by Grace’s family in Ontario, by her brothers, Wray, (Cathi), Paul (Sherry), her sister, Wanda and their families. Also missed by many friends in BC, Ontario and Alberta. 

A gathering will be held in the future in Alberta.

A church service and interment will be held at a later date in Ontario.