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SMITH, William Hugh

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William (Bill) Smith of St. Albert, AB, passed away peacefully with family by his side on April 2, 2023, in Calgary, AB. Bill is now reunited with his predeceased wife of 49 years, Margaret (nee Hordal) who passed away in November 2012. 

  

Bill was born in Flin Flon, MB in October 1939 to Stephen and Mildred Smith, the third of three boys. 

  

Bill moved with his family to Winnipeg, MB then Weyburn, SK during the war, then to Malton, ON where he graduated high school. Bill completed training with J Troop from Depot Regina in November 1960 as an RCMP Officer. It was while he was in training that he met Margaret Hordal and began courting and they were wed in Wynyard, SK in September 1963 and began their married life in Hull Quebec where Bill was stationed with the RCMP. They moved to Ontario and there they welcomed children Heather and Debbie. In 1973 Bill was transferred to K Division (Edmonton) and they moved to St. Albert, AB. Shortly after the move Stewart was born. Bill served at the St. Albert RCMP detachment and retired from K Division in September 1980. 

  

Bill went on to do security for Esso patrolling the Arctic, owned “The Pop Shoppe” in St. Albert, and was part of the Commissionaires until his second retirement. 

  

Bill was an active Mason for 50 years, belonging to Balmoral Lodge, he was an active member with Margaret in Pioneer Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. Bill and Marg spent many days and weekends with fraternal friends. 

  

Bill and Marg enjoyed camping, traveling by car and a few trips abroad, including the UK, Scotland, the Netherlands, the Caribbean, Greece, and Mexico. 

  

In 2011 Margaret became ill and Bill became her caregiver for a year. After her passing dad spent time with his children and grandchildren camping and traveling with them throughout Western Canada, the US and Europe. 

  

In the decade without mom, Bill enjoyed being with family, he attended his eldest granddaughter’s wedding (Ashleigh & Dan) and welcomed his great granddaughter (Delainey), celebrated the engagement with Meagan and her fiancé McConnell, shared a home and “bathroom” with Robin for two years in Calgary, meeting boyfriend Erik and companion dog Georgia; enjoyed Hannah’s Highland Dance competitions and Rebekah’s soccer games; and cheered on Lucas at karate and Joey scoring goals at hockey. 

  

Bill will be remembered for his loyalty and love for family, friends, and his fraternal brethren, his tales that would go forever, his laughter and joy of life, and his practical use of hinges. 

  

A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held in St. Albert at Cornerstone Hall (6 Tache Street, St. Albert, AB) on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Followed by a luncheon and time to share memories. Bill will be interned with his wife at the St. Albert Cemetery.  

 

Bill is survived by his children Heather & Darren Fidyk of Calgary, Debbie & Mike Filan of Edmonton, and Stewart & Tara Smith of Calgary. Grandchildren Ashleigh (Daniel) Kaplan, Meagan (McConnell) Fidyk, Robin (Erik) Fidyk and great-granddaughter Delainey Kaplan (Calgary); Lucas & Joseph Filan (Edmonton); and Hannah and Rebekah Smith (Calgary). Along with many (great) nieces, (great) nephews, cousins, and in-laws. 

  

Predeceased by brother Roy and wife Mary, of Yellowgrass, SK and brother Don and wife Shirley, of Mississauga, ON. 

In living memory of William Smith, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB. Telephone: 403-203-0525

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