John Lawrence Smith (Larry)
November 30, 1930 to February 13, 2021
Peacefully, Larry passed away in his sleep on Feb 13 at the age of 90.
Larry is survived by his loving wife Maureen, children: Sharon, Chris (Gwen), Brenda, Ron, Laureen and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, brothers and sister. Larry was born in Toronto and moved to Wainwright where he met Maureen, married and had his family.
Larry served in the military from 1950 - 1974. A Veteran of the PPCLI, he served in the Korean War with the United Nations Special Forces and received the Korean Medal, United Nations Emergency Force Medal, The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea, and Canadian Forces Decoration and Clasp. His army service took him to Germany, Japan and the USA. In the proud tradition of Canadian peacekeeping he served in Cyprus and Egypt. Larry traveled in 2010 to Canadian Korean War Memorial Gardens.
Larry resided with Maureen and family in Sherwood Park since 1974. In retirement, Larry visited friends at Cafe Haven and the Sherwood Park Mall for coffee and discussions about sports, politics, and world affairs. Many evenings were spent playing pool, darts, or crib while watching the game on TV. His favorite teams were the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, and Tiger Cats. He followed the Oilers, Oil Kings, Eskimos and other local teams.
Larry had a strong passion to serve through his lifelong volunteer work. He was actively involved with hockey fastball and curling. Highlights include; Vice President of the Alberta Umpires Association, President of Alberta Major Intermediate Hockey Association and President of the Nor Lake Hockey League. Larry was a proud member of the KVA and a long time volunteer and friend of Bill W. He was instrumental in the planning and coordinating the annual spring roundup and coordinating the yearly supper for the Mills Have Group. No matter how big or small the task, Larry was always there lending a helping hand. In 2018 Larry was diagnosed with dementia. He missed his daily outings but never gave up his pipe!
Our family sincerely acknowledges the care of Dr. Dusang, Leduc Hospital and 9Y General Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Larry on Saturday February 27, 2021 at 2:00PM.
Due to COVID restrictions the service will be limited to family only but can be live streamed by following the following link:
So sorry for your trouble. We enjoyed spending time with Larry and Maureen at meetings and roundups and at the coffee shops.
Thank you for your condolences. We spent many good evenings and he is missed. Maureen
Thank you for your kind words.
Maureen and Family –
I write to express on behalf of all Patricias, our condolences on the loss of Larry Smith. His service with the PPCLI was a long time ago, but the Regiment remembers that service, and we know that the family is proud of his service to peace and to Canada. Larry’s name will be read out in the list of the fallen when we read that list out in the Sacred Space at Beechwood, the National Military Cemetery Ottawa on 11 November 2021. His name will also be listed in The Fallen in the 2021 Patrician.
Thank you to everyone who supported Larry all these years.
Brigadier-General (Ret’d) Vince Kennedy
Colonel of the Regiment
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
Thank you for your condolences. It is nice to know he will be remembered. Maureen Smith
I knew Larry for a short time but in that time he was an inspiration in the redirection of my life. Thanks for selflessly sharing so much for the benefit of many. God bless friend.
Thank you for your kind words. Larry really felt it was important to welcome and help the new comer. Maureen
I will miss Larry at the meeting’s
Thank you Brain he always enjoyed his meeting and talking with you Maureen
Such a dear soul. I owe so much to him and other friends at the Cafe Haven. May he rest in peace. Never forgotten.
Karen L.
Thank you Karen for your kind works ,Cafe Haven was Larry’s second family he missed not going 2 times a day to talk with his friends because of Covid and health, Maureen
Maureen & Family
Our heart felt condolence on the passing of Larry. He & Maureen where a inspiration to me with There support to use and others. He was a caring friend & neighbour.
Thank you Doug we will be having a celebration of life on Saturday February 27 at OLPH Church at 2 pm there will be a live feed you can watch .Laureen
Met Larry many years ago and watched him age with grace and thanks over the years. A great friend of Bill W. and unlike a lot who went before him Larry continued to carry the message and attend meetings when able. Best wishes in the afterlife Larry. Blessings to Maureen and family as well.
Thank you Doug , Larry will miss the front yard conversation he looked forward to seeing you drive by I look forward to talking to both of you when the weather improves ,Maureen
Thank you Bill , Larry enjoyed his Bill W family and enjoyed talking to anyone he loved to speak ,Maureen
Aunty Maureen, Sharon, Chris, Gwen, Brenda, Ron and Laureen
It is with heartfelt sadness that we say goodbye to Uncle Larry. He will be lovingly remembered and cherished. But most of all when I come across the smell a pipe I will remember him at family gatherings, sitting with crossed legs, pipe in hand, enjoying a good conversation or quietly taking it all in. He will be dearly missed.
Rest easy Uncle
Hugs to all!
Karen, Barry and family
Thank you Karen ,Barry, and family Larry so enjoyed family gathering and watching you and your children and grandchildren grow thank you for the hugs Maureen
We have known the Smith family for over 50 years, going back to the Wainwright days. The family were always involved in the community and Larry was always smiling and friendly. Our sincere condolences to Maureen and family. RIP old soldier.
Joe/Diane Rohrer
Joe/Diane it is very hard to believe how time has flown by thank you for your kind words about Larry he did enjoy smiling and helping the community in Wainwright and in Sherwood Park .Keep in touch Maureen
Auntie Maureen, Sharon, Chris, Gwen, Brenda, Ron and Laureen
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, especially today as you celebrate his life. When I think of Uncle Larry, I think of his smile, his laughter and of course, his pipe. We will miss him.
God bless and take care.
Shelley, Kirk and family
That pipe!! I will always remember Uncle Larry as the man with the pipe. My thoughts are with you all on this difficult day. He will be missed.
Thank you Mark laughing he was cremated with his pipes and pipe tobacco ( matches too ) he is very happy in heaven that he will not have to give up his pipe ,Maureen
Thank you Shelley ,Kirk and family it was hard having a funeral without family present to share stories to laugh to cry to take family photo’s and just remember Larry .Maureen
Shelley Thank you for remembering Larry. We also really miss his smile and laughter. Keep in touch, and we so enjoyed the flowers.
Maureen
All of us send you our deepest sympathies for your loss. We hold uncle Larry and your family in our prayers.
Take care,
Donna, Kelly, Kiernan and Aidan Ference
Thank you Donna for your prayers and thinking about us and remembering Larry. We certainly miss him. Maureen
I have been very close friends with daughter Laureen since Grade 3 when she moved to Sherwood Park. I have many fond memories of visits at Laureen’s house Laureen and her parents. There was always lots of laughs and kindness. He will be greatly missed. Prayers and hugs from all of my family to yours. He is forever in your hearts.
Maureen,
Read of Larry’s passing . Thoughts and condolences are with you at this difficult time.
Norma Wark ( Brentwood Medical Clinic- co worker)
Norma thank you for remembering Larry. Good to here from you. Brentwood were good times. We miss Larry every day. Hope you are well. We live at the same place Maureen.
I am so sad to hear of Larry’s passing. I was his hairstylist for a few years and had coffee and visited with him often. Larry was my friend.