June 16, 1936 – July 18, 2022

In loving memory of Terrance W. Smyth (Terry)

Terry will be sadly missed after passing away peacefully at Gillis House after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Terry is survived by his loving wife Myrna (nee Pell) of 63 years of marriage, his 3 children, Mark (Lucile), Steven (Tammy) and Penny Sirkia (Gary), as well as 2 sisters, Charlotte Wright and Reta (Mike) Grieve, grandchildren, Darcy, Stephanie, Travis and Tanner, as well as numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Terry was predeceased by his father Ralph and mother Agnes (nee McCreight), sisters Isabelle, Kathleen (nee Rix), and brothers Jimmy, Doug and Larry.

Terry was born and lived in the Nicola Valley most of his life. His love for the outdoors, including hunting, fishing and camping with his family and friends was his passion. Whether it was baseball, hockey, rodeos or boating at the lake, Terry would devote his time to his children and anyone else’s who happen to be around.

Having a strong work ethic, honesty and generosity, were values he firmly believed in and tried to pass on.

Terry worked in the sawmill industry for about 45 years, starting as a labourer in the bush mills and continuing on to become a Saw-filer with Weyerhauser Canada until his retirement. As the Head or Lead hand of the saw-filing department, him and his crew gained a lot of respect among other Weyerhauser sawmills they worked with (from Alberta and Washington) by assisting in designing new sawing systems. Through his career, he got to know a lot of co-workers, some of whom became longtime friends as well as hunting or fishing buddies. Often you would see Terry walking with his dogs, stopping and chatting with anyone he came upon, and by chance tell one of his stories from the old days. His belief was that all people make mistakes. But if they work hard, they can correct those mistakes and become a better person for it.

As per Terry’s wishes, there will be no service or memorial.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.

You may express a message of condolence at Merritt Funeral Chapel.

• Date : 2022-08-18
• Location : Merritt