Arthur (Art) J. Smith

Arthur J.  (Art) Smith

1920-2019

ARTHUR (Art) JAMES SMITH passed gently away on August 8, 2019 at the age of 98 years. Arthur is survived by his children, Harold (Bina), Alison, Glenn (Heidi) and Em; his grandchildren, Averill and Sonya; and many relatives. He was predeceased by his wife, Madeline; his parents, Rev. Horace Greeley and Evelyn (Eva) Jane; siblings, Walden, Margaret, Edith, Lloyd, Mildred, twin brother Harold and Clarence.

Art was born in Jarrow, Alberta on December 7, 1920. Son of a United Church minister, his family moved from town to town in Alberta every three years. He served with the Canadian Armed Forces in World War II, seeing action in Belgium, Holland, and Germany. He married Madeline McCallister on June 4, 1949 in Edmonton. Receiving degrees in Agriculture and Education at the University of Alberta, he taught school in Eckville before finally settling in Wetaskiwin in 1954. He taught Biology at Wetaskiwin Composite High School until he retired in 1985. He coached boys’ and girls’ basketball, supervised dances and made friends of many of his students.

Art was very active in the Wetaskiwin community. He served on the United Church Board and the church’s AOTS Mens’ Club and coached Sunday School basketball; coached minor hockey and T-ball; joined the Red Cross as committee member, volunteer and canvas organizer; served as Secretary for the NDP Wetaskiwin Branch; was a Life Member of the Wetaskiwin Legion; joined the local Toastmasters’ Club; delivered food for the needy with the United Church Gleaners; and drove countless people to Edmonton for medical appointments. He received many awards including Wetaskiwin citizen of the Year, Order of the Red Cross, and the Caring Canadian Award presented by the Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson. Art was as active in the community as anyone who never ran for public office. His warm smile and welcoming ways were familiar to all who have known him, along with his friendly laughter and eagerness to help out when anyone needed it. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 17 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Church in Wetaskiwin, with reception to follow at the Wetaskiwin Legion. In Art's memory, donations may be made to First United Church,( 5115- 51 Ave. Wetaskiwin, Alberta  T9A 0V3) or Canadian Red Cross, (9931 106 St. Edmonton, Alberta. T5K 1E2).

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