Matt SMITH

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SMITH: It is with loving thoughts and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, dad and grandfather Matt Smith on June 19th, 2015 at the age of 78 years. Matt was born March 7th, 1937 at North Battleford, Saskatchewan to Tom and Beatrice Smith, moving to the Foxwarren area in 1938. He will be forever remembered by wife Sophie of 53 years, son Jason and wife Andrea, grandson Joben and daughter Jennifer and husband Stephen, grandsons Ryland and Ashton. A sister Alice Barr of Kelowna, BC, brother-in-law Bill Kowaluk and wife Eileen, Birtle, MB and cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Tom & Beatrice Smith; brother-in-law Norman Barr; brothers-in-law Mike & Archie Kowaluk and parents-in-law Pete & Lena Kowaluk. Matt received his education in Foxwarren, joining the workforce at an early age but the occupation he loved the most was farming, looking forward to the planting in the spring, and the harvest in the fall, taking pride in producing a good crop. After 50 some years he had experienced the good times and the bad ones that come with farming. He never really retired as he refused to give up the operating of the combine, learned the GPS system, offered advice and provided a helping hand for the extra jobs. Matt enjoyed a game of pool; a game of cards and good times at the lake with friends with a game of golf and socializing. He curled for a good number of years enjoying the competition, companionship and friendship the sport offered. Hunting in the fall was also enjoyed for the companionship not necessarily the trophy of the big rack. Fishing and camping with good friends in the 60's and 70's was highlighted when he hooked and landed a 38 lb Lake Trout. Matt was especially proud of his children and what they had accomplished and didn't hesitate to tell people about them. Jennifer's employment with Adoption Options and Jason's farming and coaching skills to mention just a few. He looked forward to watching son Jason and grandsons Joben, Ryland and Ashton playing hockey and in the summer months he did not like to miss any of Joben's baseball games. Matt was involved in the Foxwarren community being a Board member of the Foxwarren Arena for 22 years; MAHA Yellowhead Regional Director; Councilor for the R.M. of Birtle for 12 years; and member of the Foxwarren Leisure Centre. Matt and Sophie spent the past 12 years during the winter months in Osoyoos, BC where they made many new friends, had many happy times, dancing and golfing. Matt played pool with new friends and looked forward to returning year after year to see familiar faces. A service to celebrate Matt's life was held on Thursday June 25th, 2015 with Elaine Dixon officiating. Children Jason and Jennifer delivered the Eulogy and Grandsons Joben, Ryland and Ashton were the URN Bearers. Pallbearers were Derry Moulson; Floyd McTavish; Nicky Young; Wayne Bonchuk; Scott Wotton and Mark Wotton. Interment took place at the Foxwarren Cemetery. Matt's final journey to his resting place was in the combine which was driven by Grandson Joben and accompanied by Grandsons Ryland and Ashton. He will be greatly missed, forever loved and always remembered. Braendle- Bruce Funeral Service of Russell, Manitoba in care of arrangements. (204) 773-2747.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 11, 2015