David Laurie Smith

Passed away peacefully at 4:20 a.m. on October 24, 2007, Laurie Smith, age 95 years and 5 months, beloved husband of the late Ella Whittier, father of Lauraine Syrnick, grandfather to Kelvin Syrnick (Shirley), Winnipeg, and Karen McDonald (Andrew) of White Rock, B.C., “Big Pappa Bear” to great grandchildren Nicholas, Julia, Jessica and Alexander, brother to four sisters Ruth Fletcher of Stratford, Ontario, Ada Booth of MacGregor, Elizabeth Price of Ajax, Ontario, and Hattie Pearson of Brandon, Manitoba, brother-in-law to Bob Whittier (Pat) of Brantford, Ontario, Doris Smith of Dryden, Ontario, Ivy Whittier of Cambridge, Ontario and Violet Earnshaw of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Laurie is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Laurie was predeceased by his wife Ella Beatrice Whittier after celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary, his parents, a stillborn daughter, his 5 brothers Jim, Ernie, Doug, Fred, and Norman, son-in-law Zenon Syrnick and brothers-in-law Harry and Jim Whittier, Dave Pearson, Strath Booth, and Al Fletcher.

Laurie was the third child and oldest son born to Nelson James Smith and Jessie Jane Hird, both children of early Manitoba pioneers. Laurie was born in Kinosota in 1912 and in 1916 the family moved to a Bagot district farm. The family moved to a farm at the east end of MacGregor in 1923 and Laurie attended the MacGregor School. He worked for pioneer Sam Little, the Berry Service Station, and then had his own cream truck business for many years until starting a machine shop. In 1963 Laurie and Ella opened Home Supply in MacGregor, retail sales and repairs of TVs.

In his younger years Dad was a member of the local curling club and latterly he and Mom were members of the Portage Horseshoe Club, Portage Seniors Bowling League, MacGregor Seniors Club, MSOS, and the Herman Prior Centre. Laurie lived out his life in MacGregor and was an honest, kindly and caring man. Ever the gentleman, Laurie has left many loving and fond memories of his quick wit, humour and ever ready smiles and winks.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service was held on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in the MacGregor United Church with Sandra Rex officiating. Interment followed  in the MacGregor Cemetery. 

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the MacGregor Health Foundation, Box 250, MacGregor, Manitoba R0H 0R0.

Clarke’s Funeral Home, MacGregor in care of arrangements.