John (Jack) L. Smith
March 18, 1917 - August 9, 2007
At age 90 years, John L. Smith passed away peacefully at George Derby Centre, Burnaby, B.C., on Thursday, August 9, 2007. Jack was predeceased by his loving wife Bessie in 2003, brothers Harry, Will and Joe, and sisters Syl and Ruth. He is survived by his sister Connie Pepler in Ontario, son Ken (Darlene) Smith, daughters Donna (Tony) Wanstall of Maple Ridge and Judy (Gerry) Nygard of Prince George, seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Jack had a wonderful childhood on his family farm in Balmoral, Manitoba. He met his wife of 63 years, Bessie, in Hammond, BC. and they married just before the Second World War. Even though he lost an eye at the Hammond mill, he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers during the war.
Jack raised his family in Maple Ridge on a small dairy farm on 18th Avenue. Then at age 46, he and Bessie moved to Horsefly where they lived for 42 years. During this time, Jack and Bess homesteaded a ranch along the Little Horsefly River where they developed many lifelong friends.
Special thanks to George Derby Centre staff for the kind and respectful care given to our dad. No public service by request and in lieu of flowers donations can be sent to George Derby Centre, 7550 Cumberland St. Burnaby V3N 3X5, in memory of John (Jack) L. Smith.