1931 – 2020
It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother Geoffrey Hubert Smith on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Pinawa Hospital at the age of 89.
He was predeceased by his parents Hubert and Rose Queenie Smith (Breadmore); brother Dave and sister in-law Charlene; step-sister Dorothy Tufford; and brother in-law Colin Maxwell. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years Rose (nee Makarchuk); his three children Randy (Brenda), Sharalyn (Glen) Reitlo, and Michael (Nicole); and his four grandchildren Mathew and Heather; and Alyssa and Sydney (Reitlo). He is also survived by his sister Betty Maxwell, extended family, and many important friends.
Geoff was born in Portage la Prairie on April 24, 1931.
He met Rose and they were married on July 23, 1960. They raised their family in The Pas and moved to Lac du Bonnet in 2014.
Geoffrey was a dedicated teacher who inspired and shaped many lives. After teaching for 43 years, he retired in 1994, providing more time for his gardening passion. Many will remember the beautiful yard, flower beds and vegetable garden he took so much pride in.
Dad was a kind, giving, and gentle man who helped his family, friends, students and community without hesitation or reward. He is honored and will be greatly missed.
Many thanks to Dr. Bruneau and staff at Pinawa Hospital for the great care and compassion they provided to Dad.
A small private funeral was held in Beausejour on November 10, 2020 and he was then laid to rest in Lac du Bonnet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
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NAncy Carley
Today, I share remembrances of the Smith’s , as neighbors of theirs for twenty plus years. The beauty of their yard was unsurpassed in The Pas for all to enjoy, but for us a glance out the window and we were part of a park! Geoff and Rose worked hard at their hobby. Geoff, always sharing his knowledge of horticulture with everyone. Thank you,good neighbour! At Christmas it was outdoor decorations and lights, my favourite, the church.
You were missed when you left and it will continue. You left your mark on people you touched when you were here and many more than the Carleys, all generations of us!
Blessings to all Geoff’s loved ones. Nancy and Bob Carley
Louise Chernetz
Mr. Smith was my Grade VI teacher some 60 years ago in The Pas. He taught us history just before lunch and I always remember him teaching us about the courier de bois in New France running through the woods and trading furs. He didn’t use books or the half board. He painted us the story using his words and encouraged us to use our imagination. A lovely man. A respected teacher.
Louise Chernetz (Campbell)
Kathy (Kowalyk) Bellemare
Sorry to hear of Geoff’s passing. I have many fond memories of him as our paths crossed several ways. He was my high school math teacher (learned a lot from him) and later my colleague at MBCI.
Plus we both went to the United Church. We also both belonged to the local horticultural society. We spent many hours talking about gardening.
Geoff was a fine man. He was intelligent, thoughtful and got things done.
It was a pleasure to know him and work with him.
He will be missed. Take care.
BTW Rose was my grade 2 teacher 🙂
Frank and Jessie Parker (St. Albert)
Most sorry to see that a good friend has passed away. We enjoyed sharing many activities in The Pas all those years ago. He taught Jessie and we both enjoyed working with him in the high school and going to the United Church and all those activities. He was always a pleasure to share time and to enjoy his kind and good natured support. We know that The Pas missed him and Rose when they moved south. Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Sandra Paskaruk (nee Nikolychuk)
My sincere condolences to all of Geoff’s family…he was my math high school teacher in the 1970’s…a very great teacher..A wise and patient man…an avid gardener and a very talented horticulturalist …with fond remembrances..
Tracey Cathcart (Hossfeld)
Mr. Smith was my Math teacher all through high school and was one of the best! As I am a teacher now I can only hope to be as effective as he was – especially his ability to keep us all in our seats until we were dismissed (and not one of us dare move lol). All my sympathies to his family. He will be missed but remembered fondly by so many.
Vaughn Wadelius
Geoff’s career impacted mine…as my English teacher in 1954-55, as my supervising teacher in 1962, and as a member of my staff at MBCI in 1986-94. He always exhibited patience, competency and dedication, and was well known in his role at our graduation ceremonies. He was indeed a model for us all.
Nick Barkett
Mr. Smith was my math teacher throughout high school and counted among the few teachers that I truly respected as teachers and people. I have posted the notice of his passing on the Face Book page, “From The Pas” and many former students, neighbours or acquaintances of Mr. Smith are paying tribute to him. My sincere condolences to the family for their loss.
Henry Toews
Geof was an anchor staff member at MBCI. I could always depend on him to deliver quality educational services in his high school Math courses. He was a strong colleague in MBCI, setting an example of a man of integrity, with Christian principles. In the community, he had the reputation of a reliable citizen and well-known for his gardening expertise.
May the Lord give you, Rose, comfort as you grieve the loss of your faithful husband.
Janine Hein
Jamie Hein/Janine Hein
Condolences to you Rose and your family. So sorry to hear about Geoff. He was such an intelligent and thoughtful person. Loved by everyone. It was great
years living beside each other…beautiful flowers everywhere and such a beautiful family to live beside.
May the Lord be with all of you. He will be missed.