It is with great sorrow that the family of Anthony John Smith announces his passing in Red Deer on November 6, 2011 at the age of 93. He was pre-deceased by his brother Philip in WW2, son Martin Phillip in 1969, his wife Joan Irene (nee Songhurst), grandson Noah Martyn Dixon in 1995 and sister Eileen Florence in 2000. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Karen (Don); granddaughters Allison Smith (Ed Dixon) of Red Deer, Susan Barre of Edmonton, Jillian Little (nee Barre) (Colin), of Sherwood Park, Jocelyn Barre of Calgary and their father Wayne (Jackie): great-grandchildren Spencer, Reece, and Ella: as well as many friends and relatives in the U.K.
Anthony was born on August 25, 1918 in Leigh-on -Sea, Essex, England. He married Joan on December 6, 1941 then received his teaching certificate with First Class Honours from Loughborough University in 1948. He taught in England before immigrating with his family to Canada in 1957. He taught in Vulcan, Vancouver. Anthony John then moved to Ponoka, Alberta where he taught Industrial Arts in the Junior High School and subsequently, at Ponoka Composite High School as both a teacher and Vice Principal . He retired in 1976 and moved to Red Deer with his wife Joan in 1989.
Anthony was a very loving and supportive husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed travel, art, architecture and sailing. He was passionate about woodworking and was an accomplished, talented craftsman.
He will be deeply missed.
Special thanks are extended to the staff of The Pines Lodge, Valley Park Manor, Extendicare Michener, Dr. M. Odendaal, and Dr. Grudgeon.
A Reception and Memorial for friends and family was held at St. Lukes Anglican Church, 4929 – 54 Street, Red Deer on Monday, November 14, 2011 @ 2pm.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.myalternatives.ca.