Kenneth Lloyd Smith, 1946-2007

Eulogy by Wade Morrison
Welcome everyone, and thank you for coming today. My name is Wade Morrison and I’m Ken’s nephew. Several years ago he asked me to speak on this occasion and I’m honoured to do so now. Kenneth Lloyd Smith was born Oct. 6, 1946 in High Prairie. He was the fifth of six children, and fourth son of Robert and Hazel Smith. As a boy, he was known for his curly black hair, which he would often trim himself to avoid teasing. He attended school in High Prairie, leaving school in Grade 8 to avoid reading and to work on oil rigs. I’m sure he would rather have played professional hockey. His quick temper and fast reflexes would have served him well. He worked a variety of jobs operating equipment, trucking and oil rigs, for most of his young life. On Sept. 5, 1970, Kenny married Joan Haggerty of High Prairie. Over the next few years Joan began working for the government and her job took them to live in High Level, Alta. Up north they enjoyed good times with friends, which made for lots of stories that Kenny loved to tell. This happy couple didn’t have children of their own, but were very much interested in and spent time with nieces and nephews. Kenny was known to pay handsomely for the rights to the title of “Bestest Uncle”. Sadly, on Sept. 12, 1983, Joan passed away after a battle with cancer. Ken’s dad, Bob, had also passed away five months earlier that year so Kenny stayed close and helped his mother, Hazel, after their time of loss. He began driving truck more and more for work and hauled a wide variety of loads, the least favourite being hogs by liner. He would also drive the local bus charter for seniors and he kidded Grandma that he was looking for a new husband for her. He busied himself with work and being a supportive uncle. Whether it was hockey, swimming, 4-H Achievement Says, cattle drives or just a new venture, he was sure to show interest in all the younger people of the extended family. He was always generous with his time and showed concern and shared his opinion. He cared deeply enough to disagree and could not be accused of being indifferent. Kenny’s other apparent interest was a continued fascination with the sport of rodeo. He volunteered locally and attended the Canadian Finals regularly and the National Finals when he could. He was limited to being a fan and not a participant because of his age and he preferred machine controls over damn fool horses. But he was very proud of his buckle and coat collections and loved to bring gifts for people and share stories about these events. In recent years, he had some real struggles with his health due to complications from sugar diabetes. He had been hospitalized several times and had suffered small strokes and heart damage which at times suspended his driving licence. He would recover despite a negative prognosis surprising medical staff, friends and family. Kenny could often be found sharing coffee and conversation around town, or reading the paper cover to cover. On Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007. Ken was found slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle in town. The emergency crew and hospital staff were unable to revive him. He will be missed, by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by: his mother, Hazel, of Pleasantview Lodge in High Prairie; his sister, Joy, and her husband, Everett Morrison, of DeBolt, Alta.; his brother, Arthur Smith, and his wife, Terry, of Enilda; his sister, Colleen, and her husband, Peter Tindall, of High Prairie; as well as many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand nephews. It was Kenny’s wish to be cremated and when possible to be interned with Joan, his wife. Kenny was predeceased by: his brother, Roy, in December 1974; his father, Robert, in May 1983; his wife, Joan, in September 1983; and his brother, Harald, in October 1995. One other note. Kenny often teased Trudy that for this occasion, roast horse would be on the menu, but rest assured this is an equine-free lunch!

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