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McNeil (Neil) Smith
June 5, 1929 - January 16, 2016
Tribute
Born to Howard and Hazel Smith of Rock Creek on June 5, 1929. Passed away January 16, 2016. Neil was predeceased by his parents, his brother Howard and Betty, his wife of 52 years. He is survived by his daughter Barb (Harvey) Comazzetto, sons Ian (Bev) and Larry, grandchildren Jordana (Jeff), Jeremy, Brookelyn and Coleton and great grandson Deacon.
Neil’s whole life revolved around agriculture. Except for four years spent in South Africa as a young boy and absences for schooling, he lived and worked on the family ranch his entire life. A graduate of the School of Agriculture at the University of Saskatoon he never stopped studying the industry as he strove to keep up with the many advances he saw in his lifetime. He was, for many years, an active member of both the local Kettle River Stockmen’s Association and the Southern Interior Stockmen’s Association, had served on the executive and been president of both, as well as sitting on many other industry committees. Neil was for many years the leader of the Boundary 4H Beef club and 4H was very much a part of him to the end. Neil enjoyed showing cattle as a young man and later judged many fairs and shows around the province. He was also very active in the Rock Creek Fair Association for much of his life. Participating in these organizations was his recreation and through which he made many lasting friendships.
Neil was proud of the accomplishments made in developing the ranch from where his father had left off and was happy to see it still in the family. He never really retired but, rather, was pressed into observer status these past few years due to ill health.
No service by request. Donations in Neil’s memory can be made to Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C.
“Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now. Your labour is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait, Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.”
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Condolences
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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Jim Mac Naughton
Relation: lifelong friend
To all of the Smith family and especially Ian, Barb and Larry- I was totally shocked to open the Nunes Pottinger site and find Neil’s obit posted there. I hadn’t seen him for probably 7 or 8 years, but he was part of my life soon after I was born right up until his death. I was 14 years old when Neil and my Dad decided that I needed to spend some time on a working cattle ranch, and though I was home sick, he was my like my ” older brother” who taught me so much and on occasion blasted me for something if I did it wrong. He was the reason I ended up going to the same School of Agriculture in 1964, that Neil and Bill Harper had gone to long before I did. He was one of my Dad’s favourite people, and a good friend to everyone in my family. I am deeply saddened that he is gone, but none of us would have asked him to stay here any longer when he was not well. Neil is in our hearts, minds and memories forever until one day our Spirits will gather together with all who have gone before us. My love to all of you and my appreciation for sharing this good man with so many of us… my love to you all. Jim
From: Heather Frank
Relation: Family Friend
Dear Ian, Barb and Larry – Please accept my condolences on the loss of your Dad. What a dear person he was and like all the MacNaughton kids, I have very fond memories of your father. The fact that he was so highly thought of by our own family was clearly evident by the fact that I was always told, that had I been born a boy, my chosen name was to be Neil – named after your Dad. Tea time up at Auntie Hazel’s house, or visits out in the hay field or down by the barn, are some of my earliest memories of your Dad. He was a wonderful listener and always had such a nice twinkling smile for us all. In later years, our visits usually took place in the barns or outside the livestock corrals at the Rock Creek Fall Fair. Although he was usually busy judging cattle or helping out, he took the time to say hello and to catch up with family news. He was a true gentle man through and through, a valued member of his community and we are all richer for having had the chance to call him a family friend. As you share, talk and remember, may you find comfort in reflecting on a life well lived. “Lots of people can be cowboys. Few can be Cattlemen.” Quote by Ricky Booth. Sincerely Heather MacNaughton Frank
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted to:
Donations in Neil’s memory can be made to Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C.
Thank You Notice
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