John William Smith passed away peacefully at the Rimbey Hospital on December 7, 2022 at the age of 77 years after a long struggle with diabetes.
John was born in Didsbury, Alberta to parents Bill and Lora Smith and spent his life on the farm in the Elkton district. He went to the Big Prairie and Cremona schools until grade nine, then went to work logging in the bush, on the farm and custom haying in the summers with his dad.
After our dad’s passing in 1983, John continued farming with his mother, Lora and brother Leonard as well as raised cattle, hayed and grained crops. He enjoyed discussing farming with neighbors and going to farm auctions, seldom not coming home with several treasures. He spent time visiting with his friend Dwight Barnard, who lived close by.
In recent years the farm was rented out and cattle sold, John continued to live on the farm with his mother and Leonard and was the driver of the family. In 2017, John moved into Olds to Season Encore Senior Center with health issues caused by diabetes. Shortly after Leonard moved into Bethany Care Center in Didsbury. John moved several more times including from Olds, to Viking Extended Care, to Villa Marie, Covenant Care in Red Deer and lastly to the Rimbey Long Term Care, this last April as his health issues continued. John enjoyed visiting with other residents and with the nursing staff talking about farming. He was interested in the news from home and what the family and neighbors were doing.
John was predeceased by his parents Bill and Lora Smith; two nephews Darcy Smith and Craig Thompson.
He is survived by his brother David (Helen) Smith; sister Mary (Barry) Thomson; brother Leonard Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. In keeping with John’s wishes no funeral will be held at this time. A family gathering will be held at a later date and internment in the Big Prairie Cemetery.
Memorial tribute if desired can be made to the Diabetes Association or the Kidney Foundation. The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the nurses, staff and doctors of all the care centers and hospitals that have cared for John in these past years with compassion and kindness. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610. Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com.
