Obituary of Thomas Smith

Updated Service Information: Graveside Service Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Melfort, SK 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2021 You are welcome to bring a lawn chair Masks are required. Thomas Rutherford Smith was born in Melfort SK to parents Walter Rutherford (Tom) and Olena (Sherven) Smith on March 10th, 1921. He passed away in Tisdale SK on March 7th, 2021, just 3 days short of his 100th birthday. Tom enjoyed his early years on the farm near Pathlow, SK. His father was a cattle buyer, and they had many adventures together. Tom spoke of riding the cattle train to Chilliwack, age 9 driving the tractor back from “The Brieux”. They shared a love of horses and good cattle dogs. His mother was an accomplished artist and loving mother. The Sherven- Smith Art Gallery in the Kerry Vickar Centre, Melfort, SK was named in memory of his mother. Tom was an only child and spoke fondly of memories with neighbouring families. Tom has shared many stories of the Vigrass Family in particular. Victor Vigrass shared his love of archaeology and they spent many hours together searching for arrowheads, spearheads, and pottery pieces. History of artifacts and WW I and WW II were a life-long passion for Tom. The last couple of years, he spent time placing his artifacts to be framed for public viewing. This well-documented collection is now the property of the Melfort and District Museum. Tom completed his Grade 12 by correspondence and moved to Saskatoon to begin University. He lived with his Aunt Inga (Sherven) and Uncle Tom Brydon. Having been an only child, Tom cherished his time with the Brydon Family. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) with a Bachelor of Engineering in 1945. During this time, he was also in the Naval reserves and spent time training in Squamish, BC. Tom spent his life learning, a trait to be admired. Tom met Laura Carpenter at the U of S skating at the Rutherford Rink. He still has the Salish sweater that he wore when he first met her. Laura and Tom were married on November 20, 1950. Laura was a teacher and spent time working at the U of S Library. Together, they were a dynamic team. Their early years were spent in Toronto, Vancouver, Saskatoon and finally settling back on the homestead. Laura’s nieces Julia and Celia held a special place in their hearts. They enjoyed life on the farm, both pursuing interests and enjoyed travelling. Laura passed away March 20, 2008, and Tom continued to live on the farm. In 2014, he moved to Melfort, SK. He adapted to town life, and new routines were formed. He lived independently until June 2020, when he moved to Tisdale New Market Manor. He met the changes with dignity and spoke highly of the staff and care he received. His varied career has included being part of the team that built the Alaska Highway during World War II including the Kiskatinaw River bridge, the first curved wooden bridge to be built in Canada, farming, and teaching in the college of engineering. His research had a strong focus on archeology and local history especially through years of involvement in the Saskatchewan Archeological Society of which he was a founding member. He also founded Smith-Roles Ltd, producing welders driven by surplus WW II generators that could be run off of a tractor. Tom and Laura both worked hard and were often unrecognized philanthropists through the years. Four charities were dear to them: St. Paul’s Hospital Saskatoon (Inga Sherven- Smith was a nurse there), the U Of S Library, the U of S Engineering Department, and The North Central Health Care Foundation. The Tom and Laura Smith Foundation will recognize these organizations for many years to come. Parkland Place, Historic Post Office, Kerry Vickar Centre and the Melfort Heliport were also recipients of their generosity. It is hard to capture 100 years in a few words. I believe Tom would want us all to have a skip in our step, investigate new ideas and to continue to learn each day. Tom has left behind many neighbours, extended family, and chosen family with cherished memories. A Private Graveside Service will be held at a later date. Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to The North Central Health Care Foundation - Box 1480 Melfort, SK S0E 1A0 Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Marianne Turcotte, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.