Alvin “Al” Wilfred George Smith

December 12, 1927-March 22, 2016

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Alvin “Al” Smith passed away on the evening of March 22, surrounded by his family.

Al is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Dariel Smith, as well as daughter Susan Smith Alexander (Doug), son Jim Smith and many other dear relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Edith and Alfred Smith, sister Dorothy Starke and brother Robert Smith.

Al was born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta, the middle child of English immigrant parents.  He carried many wonderful memories from his childhood there, including his young adult years spent at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, working at the local theatre, and becoming an uncle to nephews Rick and Don and niece Dawnalda.  He visited family on Vancouver Island over those years and was drawn to the West, eventually heading to Vancouver to study Engineering at UBC.  In 1954, he accepted a position with the then “Department of Highways”, which was the beginning of a fulfilling adventure surveying a burgeoning infrastructure as new highway routes were being created in almost every corner of the province.  Early in his role, Al found himself in Penticton, enjoying coffee at the Commodore Cafe when his eyes met with the woman who would become his wife.  Dariel and Al married in 1956 and whole-heartedly embraced the frequent moves to small communities throughout B.C. that Al’s job provided;  they moved 10 times the first year they were married!  After some nomadic years, they were transferred to Kamloops in 1962, where they settled more permanently and in the years shortly thereafter, started a family.  From surveying the Stewart-Cassiar and the Rogers Pass in the early years to survey and design work on the Coquihalla Highway, Al truly loved his 36 year career with the Ministry of Highways, both the work itself, as well as the people,  and ultimately, friendships developed there.

Al’s life away from work was equally (or more!) fulfilling.  He loved regular fishing trips with his buddy Eddie Rozander to one of his favourite places in the province, Bella Coola.  He had a lifelong passion for golf and was a long-time member of the Kamloops Golf & Country Club, where he sat on the board of directors in the 1980’s; his golf buddies were his friends until the end.  During winters, he was an avid curler and was a member of the Kamloops Curling Club.  This fall, he was extremely proud when the Freemasons presented him with a medal, acknowledging his 50 years as a Mason.  But what Al loved most, were his family and friends.

Al was admired by many for his honesty, warmth, generosity and sense of humour.  He was bright, with a wide knowledge that was a resource to many. He showed us what strength and determination looks like. He was the best husband, dad, father-in-law, uncle, son, nephew and friend anyone could ask for.  He was the “real deal”, a true gentleman and he will live on in our hearts forever. He was so very much loved.

The family would like to thank the staff of Overlander Extended Care for their compassionate care for Al during his later years and the support they continue to show Dariel and family.

Please join us for a celebration of Al’s life on Wednesday, March 30th at 2:00 pm at the Kamloops Golf & Country Club.   In lieu of flowers, please help a friend, be a good neighbour, make time for someone, volunteer or donate to something you care about, and think of Al.