SMITH, Doug
1947 - 2012
Doug Smith of Red Deer passed away suddenly at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the age of 65 years. He is survived by his loving wife Darlene (Dixson); his children – Tyler of Edmonton, Heather (Jesse) of Edmonton and Russell (Darla) of Hardisty. He was a proud grandfather of Lane, Ella and Charlie. Also survived by his mother Helen of Red Deer, his brother Kerry (Vicky) of Calgary, his brother Rod (Brenda) of Red Deer and his sister Sue (Robert) of Lacombe. He was predeceased by his father Sidney Kerry Smith. Doug was born in Calgary, Ab. in 1947 and was raised in Drumheller, Ab. Darlene and he were married at Foremost, Ab. in 1970. Doug loved his work of 45 years, starting out as a plumber in Calgary. He later became a pipefitter in Medicine Hat during the first Boom and went on to become a superintendent installing facilities all over Alberta. More recently he worked as a consultant. During his entire career, he was well liked and highly respected with friends too numerous to mention. Doug built a well-stocked shop where he spent many hours taking things apart. He preferred to be out of doors at work, in his yard, hunting, or at the cabin at Crimson Lake. Over the years, Doug adopted many strays, human or otherwise. Doug also excelled in his new role as a loving caregiver for his wife during her ongoing struggle against cancer. The highlight of the past several years has been quality time with his grandchildren. Beneath the gruff exterior lay a heart of gold, you can’t fool kids or dogs. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held from the chapel of Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial tributes may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute to benefit patient care: 11510 University Ave., Edmonton. 780-432-8500 Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Gordon R. Mathers, Funeral Director at Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
