Albert Thomas Smyth
Feb. 8, 1924 - Oct. 13, 2007
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing on October 13th of our 'Go-to-Guy.' Albert leaves his wife Maida after 56 years of an amazingly loving and supportive marriage, his daughter & son-in-law Bev & Chuck Lohm, grandchildren Jeff & Carissa Lohm, Shannon & Paul Leadbeater and great-granddaughter Rachel Leadbeater, sister Gladys Noort (Bill) & brother Aubrey. Grandsons-of-the-heart are Owen Coulter & Mike Wainwright.
Albert came with his family to Canada in 1925 from his birthplace in Castlederg, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, settling in Port Coquitlam in 1934. A tank driver/mechanic in WWII serving in the Netherlands, he spent a year at university in London before returning home to PoCo. He worked at Essondale until 1957 when he became Business Manager for Haney Correctional Institution. The last few years of his career was as Regional Business Manager for BC Corrections.
An active member of Trinity United Church for more than 70 years, Albert's second family was the church choir. When he wasn't heading out the door with his toolbox to help someone, he enjoyed bowling, curling and beating us all at crib. He travelled extensively but his paradise on earth was his cabin at Green Lake in the Cariboo. We will miss Albert's gentle strength, wisdom, sense of humour, quick wit and the twinkle in his eyes but we will hold him in our hearts forever.
The family would like to thank Dr. Hasham, Elgin Medical and the staff at Eagle Ridge Hospital for taking such good care of him. A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Church, 2211 Prairie Ave, PoCo on Thursday, Oct. 18th at 11 a.m. If desired, donations may be made to the Trinity United Church Memorial Fund or the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation.