Obituary for Don Smith
SMITH: Donald A. (Don)
May 26, 1945 - September 13, 2020
Donald Arthur Smith of Watrous, SK passed away on September 13, 2020 at the age of 75 after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Son of Art and Louise Smith, Don was born May 26, 1945 at Oxbow, SK. The family lived in Kennedy, SK and then moved Simpson where Don met Judy Ellams, his wife of 57 years. Don attended the Sask Technical Institute in Moose Jaw where he took an auto body course. He worked in the Simpson area for two years and then worked in the IMC potash mines at Esterhazy, Vanscoy and Saskatoon. All three of their sons were born during their time in Sask. Kelly in 1963, Duane 1966 and Cory in 1969. After moving to Alberta in 1969 he worked for Fortier Sandblasting Ltd. of Calgary and later bought the business which is now known as D & J Sandblasting Ltd. Don successfully ran the business for over 30 years until selling it to Duane and Cory.
Don had a passion for sports and especially enjoyed playing hockey, fastball and golf. Don played hockey with Simpson Flyers who were inducted into the Sask Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and later with the T-birds where he made life-long friends. He spent many hours at the rink coaching his three sons and had the privilege of playing with all the boys as adults. Later in life Don enjoyed watching his grandchildren play hockey, ringette, soccer and fastball.
After retiring Don and Judy moved to Watrous, SK and spent their winters at their home in Fort Mohave, AZ. In the summers, Don golfed and looked forward to helping Rodney with the harvest. Don’s happy place was at his lot in Simpson where he spent many days with his brothers-in-law around the campfire eating bacon & eggs and drinking red eyes.
Don was predeceased by his parents Art & Louise. He will be greatly missed by his wife Judy, sons Kelly(Sandy), Duane(Brandy), Cory(Tammy); his much loved grandchildren Kyle(Tara), Jeremy(Holley), Mackenzie, Chase, Hayley, Chloe; great grandchildren Jaiden, Mila and Kaiya; brother John and sister Audrey.
Due to COVID-19 Restrictions a Private Family Celebration of Life / Memorial Service will take place at at his residence in Watrous, SK at a later date. A Private Family Interment will take place at a later date. For online condolences, tributes or to make a memorial donation in his memory to the Watrous Community Health Foundation please visit fotheringham-mcdougall.com.
May 26, 1945 - September 13, 2020
Donald Arthur Smith of Watrous, SK passed away on September 13, 2020 at the age of 75 after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Son of Art and Louise Smith, Don was born May 26, 1945 at Oxbow, SK. The family lived in Kennedy, SK and then moved Simpson where Don met Judy Ellams, his wife of 57 years. Don attended the Sask Technical Institute in Moose Jaw where he took an auto body course. He worked in the Simpson area for two years and then worked in the IMC potash mines at Esterhazy, Vanscoy and Saskatoon. All three of their sons were born during their time in Sask. Kelly in 1963, Duane 1966 and Cory in 1969. After moving to Alberta in 1969 he worked for Fortier Sandblasting Ltd. of Calgary and later bought the business which is now known as D & J Sandblasting Ltd. Don successfully ran the business for over 30 years until selling it to Duane and Cory.
Don had a passion for sports and especially enjoyed playing hockey, fastball and golf. Don played hockey with Simpson Flyers who were inducted into the Sask Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and later with the T-birds where he made life-long friends. He spent many hours at the rink coaching his three sons and had the privilege of playing with all the boys as adults. Later in life Don enjoyed watching his grandchildren play hockey, ringette, soccer and fastball.
After retiring Don and Judy moved to Watrous, SK and spent their winters at their home in Fort Mohave, AZ. In the summers, Don golfed and looked forward to helping Rodney with the harvest. Don’s happy place was at his lot in Simpson where he spent many days with his brothers-in-law around the campfire eating bacon & eggs and drinking red eyes.
Don was predeceased by his parents Art & Louise. He will be greatly missed by his wife Judy, sons Kelly(Sandy), Duane(Brandy), Cory(Tammy); his much loved grandchildren Kyle(Tara), Jeremy(Holley), Mackenzie, Chase, Hayley, Chloe; great grandchildren Jaiden, Mila and Kaiya; brother John and sister Audrey.
Due to COVID-19 Restrictions a Private Family Celebration of Life / Memorial Service will take place at at his residence in Watrous, SK at a later date. A Private Family Interment will take place at a later date. For online condolences, tributes or to make a memorial donation in his memory to the Watrous Community Health Foundation please visit fotheringham-mcdougall.com.