David James SMITH

My Dave was born in Winnipeg on March 28, 1946 and died in our home in Victoria on November 17, 2025. Dave has been predeceased by his parents and all three older brothers. Dave is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia, his beloved children, Adam (Sara) and Alison (Alexander), and his three precious grandchildren Bo, Leo and Lucy. He leaves nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle David.

He was a “change of life” baby to David and Isabel, who had three older sons when he was born. His much-loved older brothers were Charlie aged 16, Bill aged 14 and Ronnie aged 12 at the time of his birth.

Dave grew up on Morley Avenue in Fort Rouge, Winnipeg, Manitoba, playing in the middle of the streets, fishing in the river and making close and treasured friends from elementary to high school.

One of his greatest loves growing up was spending time on his mother’s family’s dairy farm in Beausejour, Manitoba. He spent his summers as a youth and teenager hitchhiking to this farm. The memories of the time that he spent there with his uncles and cousins were cherished to his final days.

In 1964, Dave entered the University of Manitoba, studying agriculture, becoming senior stick of the faculty and once again, making lifelong friends. The fall after his graduation in 1968, he and a university friend embarked on a six-month journey circling the globe from Australia to Europe, travelling in a Citroen Deux Chevaux through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, India, Pakistan, through the Khyber Pass to Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, then on to Freiburg, Germany and back home to Winnipeg. Dave recently gathered all his journals and mementos from his journey and documented this remarkable adventure in a 300-page memoir.

In 1975, he met Pat at the stage door disco at the Winnipeg Inn during Friday night happy hour. When the drinks became full price, Dave went home but called Pat a week later for a date. After a year of dating, Pat convinced Dave to propose and they were married June 12, 1976.

Their children, Adam and Alison, were born in 1982 and 1985 in Saskatoon. My Dave was proud of his accomplished son and daughter, but more so overwhelmed with their undying devotion to him.

He taught us, his children, to finish what we start and the pride that comes from saying “that’s done”. He taught us to care for ourselves but to care equally for others. He was acutely aware of those around him, never putting himself before any other. How many broken eggs did he eat so he could give the perfect one to his daughter.

Over his life Dave worked for JR Richardson in the grain industry, as well as Pioneer Grain in crop supplies and eventually Grower’s Supply from Winnipeg to Saskatoon to Calgary to West Kelowna.

In addition to his career in agriculture, Dave had smaller dreams and interests that kept him busy on evenings, weekends, and through retirement. As in all things, he was generous in sharing his interests, spending his time teaching and working side by side with his son, who deeply cherishes these gifts. He built his family a home in Saskatoon, taking electrical and plumbing courses at night. He bought a small store in 1992, Lakeview Heights Hardware and Sports. “The Store”, as we called it, made $1 an hour in profit by our mom’s estimates, but more importantly gave his children life lessons and some of the most wonderful memories of time spent with their father. Later in life, he volunteered at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, greeting visitors from around the world at the front door with his welcoming smile.

From a modest beginning, Dave built a full and beautiful life. He was deeply satisfied with what he had, never chasing more than he needed. He was unconcerned with status or wealth, instead seeking and admiring happiness, dedication, family and love. To his mind, however, he was a millionaire in life, credit for which he shared with his “bride” as he continued to call her until his final days. He has left this fortune for his children and grandchildren.

So very fitting for a life lived for others, the final words he spoke, and the final words he heard, were of love.

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There will be a celebration of Life for family and close friends at 2 PM, Monday, January 5 at the University Club, University of Victoria. Virtual attendance and sharing options will be available for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Victoria Hospice who carried us though this journey with knowledge, respect, and above all, incredible kindness: Victoria Hospice.