February 21, 1978 – May 9, 2025   

With profound sadness, I announce the passing of my beloved wife, Trisha Anne Smith, at the age of 47. After a courageous and heroic 18-month battle with multiple types of cancer, Trisha has left us. She was born on February 21, 1978, to Anne (Huey) and Eion Michael Smith. Trisha is survived by her husband Mel Paul a loving family and many close friends, especially her nieces and nephews—Anaisa, Deja, Eion, Anna-Mea, Emily, Patrick, Eric, Alexis and Dillion. She is also deeply cherished by her aunts and uncles: Cathy (Joe), Patty (her Godmother), Jonathan (Uncle), Janice (Aunt), Shawn (Uncle), as well as her brothers-in-law Shane, Vance, Bill, and sisters-in-law Brenda, Darlene, and Brenda P. A special mention goes to Jen, her best friend and adopted sister. 

Trisha is also welcomed home by her loving family in heaven: Anne (her mother), Eion (father) Inez (her grandmother), Sacha (her sister), Shu (her aunt), and Alfi (her uncle). 

Trisha’s journey began in the Lower Mainland in 1978, and my story with her began in 2012 when we met on an online dating site. Who says those sites don’t work? After months of long-distance dating, we met in person in November, and our lives were forever changed. After moving to Kamloops with me, Trisha worked at Target until it closed, then pursued a certificate in home health care support. She was incredibly proud of this achievement, working for seven years with numerous clients who loved her and miss her dearly. 

Trisha’s calling in home health care was truly a perfect fit for her. I feel incredibly blessed to have met, married, and called her my wife. My heart aches with the knowledge that she is no longer physically with me, but I take comfort in knowing that her deep faith and love for her Lord and Savior guided her through the most challenging times. 

I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported us during this journey—her church family, Pastor Zack, her loyal friends and coworkers, and especially Jen. I also want to thank all of our families for their love and strength. Trisha’s doctors, the cancer clinic in Kelowna, and the wonderful home nursing teams—thank you for everything. 

I will love Trisha always, and I will miss her every day. I find solace in knowing that she will be watching over me from above. Thank you, Trisha, for making me your husband and for being my forever love. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society in Trisha’s name. 

Trisha service will be held on July 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Moccasin Square Garden 357 Chief Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops followed by reception. 

You may offer a message of condolence at Cypress Funeral and Cremation Services for the Smith family. 

• Date : 2025-05-09