SMITH: Mr. William Dennis Smith passed away peacefully at his residence at St. Mary's Villa, Humboldt on Thursday, December 8, 2011. He was 97 years of age. Dennis was born to Edward and Sylvinia (nee Farr) Smith on the farm southwest of Humboldt on May 20, 1914. He attended Manor Park School and Mancroft Church, which were both located close to the farm. Dennis began his lifelong career of farming at an early age. On October 6, 1937, Dennis married Muriel Kennedy in St. Peter's Mancroft Anglican Church, and they then began their life on a farm in the same area. The following year their union was blessed with identical twin daughters. As the years passed, Dennis and Muriel acquired more land in the area and also more equipment. In 1945, Dennis relocated his family to another farm site in the district so their children could have closer access to Morven School. In 1953, Dennis built a house in Humboldt close to the Collegiate. He and Muriel continued to live on the farm from spring until fall for a number of years. Gradually, they began farming from town. Dennis loved the farming lifestyle and never regretted that chosen career. Throughout the years he felt very blessed with their successful farming operation and with the kind neighbours they had, wherever they lived. In his retirement years, Dennis loved to play music, especially his mouth organ and accordion; he also loved singing in the Seniors Choir, and loved his old-time music. He also enjoyed going on the annual fishing trip with his friends. Also in his retirement, Dennis worked with Bill Jonas as a carpenter for a number of years which proved beneficial for his daughters, as he was able to do whatever repairs they needed. In his later years, Dennis was often seen walking around town and going for coffee. His coffee routine often involved going to the Seniors Hall and the local cafes. Dennis was widowed on October 31, 1998; he continued living in his own home for a number of years, and in January 2004, moved into St. Mary's Villa Enriched Housing. He had been living in St. Mary's Villa until his passing. Dennis will be sadly missed by his twin daughters, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren: Eileen (Bob) Bremner of Calgary and their family: Dawn (Mike) O'Leary and sons Trevor and Brendan; Dale (Gayle) Janzen and daughters: Jennifer, Emily, and Jessica (Adam) Sims and children Julius and Georgia; and Chris Janzen; Marlene Pinkerton of Waterloo, ON, and her son, Don Pinkerton; one sister-in-law Clara Smith of Humboldt; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Muriel (nee Kennedy) Smith (October 31, 1998); his parents, Edward and Sylvia (nee Farr) Smith; a great-granddaughter, Erin O'Leary; son-in-law, David Pinkerton; and by two brothers and one sister: Leslie Smith, Edna (Bill) Wells, and Winston (Gloria) Smith. There was a public visitation for Dennis at Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2011. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, December 12, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., at Westminster United Church, Humboldt, officiated by Rev. Brenda Curtis. Music ministry was provided by organist Joan Jackson. Also taking part was Fr. Bernard Stauber, OSB, St. Mary's Villa Chaplain. An honor guard was formed by members of the Royal Canadian Legion. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Dennis' life." Active pallbearers were Don Pinkerton, Dale Janzen, Myron Kennedy, Scott Kennedy, Chris Kennedy, and Gary Schlachter. Interment followed at Humboldt Public Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either the St. Mary's Villa Foundation or the Westminster United Church Memorial Fund. SCHULER-LEFEBVRE Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
