Obituary of Douglas George Smith

November 2, 1937 – Dysart, Saskatchewan

May 25, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Doug George Smith of Calgary, AB, peacefully passed away surrounded by family, on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

A person grounded in a strong sense of values, Doug was husband of 64 years to Rose (nee Ward) and father to daughter, Shelley and son, Terry (Marg).

Always kind and calm by nature Doug was a thoughtful, intelligent person who was respected by family and friends for being one that could always offer good conversation, unwavering composure, and sound advice.

He was a person who never lost his temper, and he was kind and respectful to everyone he came in contact with. Although he was usually the one to listen more than talk, he became more open in his final years and enjoyed engaging with people on a variety of topics. His natural curiosity and interest in current events never left him. Although his body eventually failed him his mind remained sharp and active.

Doug was born and raised on a farm in southern Saskatchewan. He was a good student despite having to finish his education by correspondence in order to help his parents run the farm. A local businessman from whom they rented farmland recognized Doug’s strong intellect and this led to Doug joining the Royal Bank as an eighteen-year-old, where he would spend thirty-seven years as a successful banker. Working various roles in Regina, Saskatoon, Weyburn, and Carlyle, he developed many lasting friendships with his bank colleagues before being transferred to Calgary in 1977 to work in the international banking operation. This work expanded his world and helped to develop his lasting, broad knowledge.

Doug’s love for the farm was always somewhere inside him. He would look forward to fall harvest when he would use his vacation time from the bank to help his in-laws around Glaslyn, SK, take their crops in. The entire Ward family welcomed Doug as their own and he stayed close with them until the end, particularly his brother-in-law Armand.

Thanks go out to the care staff at AgeCare Walden Heights and the team at Peter Lougheed Hospital for the care during his final days.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Diabetes Canada, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 1112, www.diabetes.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Doug's family here.

In living memory of Douglas Smith, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.