William Elmer Smith
December 20, 1918 ~ December 10, 2011
William Elmer Smith, a resident of Erickson BC, passed away suddenly on December 10, 2011 at the Creston Hospital, a result of a fall.
He was born in Plum Coulee, Manitoba, December 20, 1918. Bill received his education in Manitoba in the electrical trade. He was a man of many facets, nothing was beyond his abilities or comprehension.
In 1939, he travelled by train to Vancouver BC, joined the Merchant Marines and sailed to London, England. WW2 was in action and he joined the R.A.F. He was part of the invasion of Normandy. He later transferred to the R.C.A.F. and returned to Canada in 1943 sporting an English bride.
He was a member of the Canadian Legion No 90, a 50 year member of the IBEW 1003 and a member of the Creston Flying Club. He loved his model train collection, fixing and constructing things out of nothing, flying above the valley and travelling to foreign places. Bill put his education to good use, working on many dams and power lines. He was an owner operator of a boarding dog kennel and a marina.
He was predeceased by his parents, George and Louise, and his brother Earl Smith.
He is survived by his wife Irma; daughter Janet, granddaughters Hiedi, Emma and great- grandchildren of Swansea, Wales; his stepsons Robert (Shiela) Mattson, grandchildren Sean, Erin and Shannon, Donald (Renta) Mattson, grandchildren Rachel and Andrea and great-grandchildren Zara and Zac of Wales; Julia and Gwen of the lower mainland and Liam of Mexico; sister-in-law Norley Smith.
Funeral Service was held Thursday, January 5, 2012 at G.F. Oliver Funeral Chapel with Cannon Randy Wood officiating.
Interment took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to the Canadian Legion - Poppy Fund