1913 – 2018

Kathleen (Kay) Marie Smith July 10, 1913 – April 28, 2018 With her 105th Birthday on the near horizon, and after living a full and happy life, Kay slipped away on Saturday, April 28th. She loved to tell the story of her beginnings, born prematurely in 1913, that resulted in her spending her first few weeks in a box on the open oven door of her parents’ wood stove! That experience, no doubt, created a strength and tenacity that never left her – she embraced life and enjoyed it. Kay was predeceased by her parents Frank and Anne and step-mother Janie Busse, her husband’s parents Senator Syd and Mrs. Marion Smith, her husband Gordon, brother Nelson and sister-in-law Audrey, niece Lynne Henderson (Bob), brothers and sisters-in-law, Max and Marie Smith and Bill and Pat Portman, many life long friends and many beloved dogs. She is survived by three generations of family: nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren. Astoundingly, she was incredibly active and healthy until well after her 101st birthday, proud of seldom seeing the doctor and taking no medication except for a daily vitamin pill! She maintained a keen interest in the world and despite slowly losing her sight to macular degeneration, she could discuss the news of the day or the latest golf scores effortlessly. Until her sight was challenged, she was a voracious reader, often consuming multiple books in a week. In younger days, she was an avid curler and golfer, her love of golf lasting a lifetime. She had deep roots in Kamloops, arriving from Gull Lake, SK in 1937, newly married to the love of her life, Gordon. After Gordon sold Syd Smith Ltd. in 1970, they spent many years in Scottsdale, AZ, a place they loved, returning to Kamloops permanently in the 90’s. Kay was a great conversationalist, loved a good joke and was always ready with a story. She was at all times impeccably groomed and dressed and retained her glamorous beauty until her final days. Her family would like to thank the many people who loved, supported and assisted Kay over the past years: to the incredible staff at Berwick on the Park as well as the wonderful residents, many of whom became good friends; Janet Herman; the Schreiner family; the Muzzillo family; and Dr. Alice Huang. No service by request. Dignity Memorial in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed at www.firstmemorialkamloops.com

• Date : 2018-04-28
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.