Tribute

On Saturday January 24, 2015, Mr. Charles Alexander “Chuck” Smith of Osoyoos passed away at the McKinney Place Extended Care Unit with his loving family by his side at the age of 77 years.

He was predeceased by his parents Ann & Charles Smith; brother Isaac (in infancy); sister Lorraine; brothers-in-law Robert & Allan Thomson; sisters-in-law Bernice & Klare Thomson, Bev Thomson-Marshall and Rheanne Smith as well as nephew Andrew Thomson.

Chuck will be fondly remembered by his loving family including beloved wife Betty; children Charles (Kathy), Cheryl (Don), Patrick, David, Roberta, Shannon (Jarrett); ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his beloved cat “B.B.”; brothers Barry and Murray (Jeannette); sisters Gert (Al) and Sheila; sister-in-law June; brother-in-law Bill as well as numerous nieces, nephews extended family and friends.

Chuck owned and operated the Husky Service Station/Truck Stop in Osoyoos for ten years but was better known as the “Highway Man” for Emcon Services based out of Rock Creek/Midway.

He was well known around Osoyoos for being willing to help anyone, anywhere, anytime. Chuck was a volunteer fireman, volunteer ambulance driver and attendant, an Auxiliary police officer, charter member of the Osoyoos Golf & Country Club, and a former member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Chuck was a World War I and World War II history buff; he loved his tools and working to create things like fences and trellis’ for his yard. He also loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Hawaii (in which the ultimate highlight for him was visiting Pearl Harbor) and eastern Canada. Chuck and Betty enjoyed many road trips in BC, Alberta and into Washington where he relished the scenery and being in nature. He had a lifelong love affair with the Okanagan Valley and enjoyed many family reunions and visits with relatives but most of all he loved his backyard and all the wildlife it contained and his pond and his home.

Most of all Chuck will be remembered as being a good man; a man’s man – strong, independent, dependable, a great, loving husband, a wonderful father, grandfather; and great-grandfather. A good soul… a good man.

Chuck loved a good “BS” session, a good joke and had a great laugh. He would always greet people with a smile, a cheery hello and was a master of little “diddies” and “original” word creations (Chuckisms).

Donations are gratefully accepted for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the BCSPCA or a charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to thank the many nurses and staff at McKinney Place who were good to Chuck in his last hours. In particular Michelle (our personal angel), Donna, Chris and everyone else who had compassion for him as a person. Thank you to Dr. Tarr for your years of caring for Chuck and your compassion for him and his family. Thank you to the staff at Desert Doctors for all your warm care and assistance. Thank you to our many friends and neighbours for your support and encouragement and thank you to Daryn at Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service for your calm professionalism and compassion for our family and your respect for my husband.

At Chuck’s request there will be no formal service.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium Oliver & Osoyoos