Laurence Smith
August 16, 1942 – April 23, 2023
Laurence Andrew Charles Smith passed away peacefully on April 23rd in Saskatoon surrounded by family after an amazing life of 80 years. Born on August 16, 1942, to Andrew and Patricia Smith, he grew up in Tisdale helping with the family business, Smith Hatcheries. After high school he attended classes at the University of Saskatchewan and then went to Teachers College in Regina. After teaching two years in Eckville, Alberta, he studied business administration at the University of Alberta. It was there where he met the love of his life, Velvet (Beechinor) at a dance. Laurence took over the management of the Prince Albert branch of Smith Hatcheries in 1967. He married Velvet on July 6, 1968 in Prince Albert, and they started their life of adventure and family together welcoming 3 children: Rodney, Garnette, and Charlotte.
Laurence was a storyteller and known for his subtle, hilarious one liners triggering much laughter. His passion for building, design and new projects was shared with his family and his children as together they built three houses, a cabin at Weyakwin lake, a rock solid tree house and party deck at Turtle Lake. Laurence had an authentic way of teaching others practical life skills in the most fun and engaging way.
In 1986, the Smith family moved to Saskatoon, where Laurence founded Smith Industries, a vacuum truck manufacturing company. Known for his resourcefulness and problem solving skills he made the most of any situation or project. Laurence was a respected businessman who developed longstanding trusted relationships. Laurence gradually transitioned the management to his son, Rodney.
He loved cross country, downhill skiing and snowboarding with his family in the mountains. He also enjoyed canoeing, sailing and camping. Family was paramount for Laurence and as his tight knit family grew, he appreciated pizza Fridays, vacations, and numerous family weekends at Turtle lake. After retiring, Laurence and Velvet enjoying many road trips and cruises with extended family and friends.
Laurence courageously faced a 10 year battle with Alzheimer’s supported by Velvet each step of the way, with the love and care from their family, Lori Watier, and CJ Pyra.
Laurence will lovingly be remembered by Velvet, his wife of 54 years, his son Rodney (Sheri) Smith, daughter Garnette (Daniel) Weber, daughter Charlotte (Duane) Henderson and grandchildren Hailey, Andrew, Owen, Rowan, Simon, Claire, and Paul. He will also be remembered by his siblings Muriel Cherry, Sylvia (Jim) Yallop, Clarence (Peggy) Smith, Lillian Bourne and Delbert (Jo-ann) Smith. Laurence was predeceased by his parents Andrew and Patricia (nee Teale) Smith, his brother Garnet Smith, brother-in-law Don Cherry and his sister-in-law Rhonda Smith. Memories of him will be cherished by numerous other family members and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Lakeview Church (19 Glazier Rd, Saskatoon SK).
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE LAURENCE SMITH
(A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above.)
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society Of Saskatchewan, 301-2550-12th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3X1.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
8 Comments
My thoughts are with the family of my dear cousin Laurence, whom I have not seen for many years.. However my memories of earlier years visits are happy ones, especially when I saw him as he resided in Prince Albert..
Thank you Shirley. We appreciate your kind words.
Our condolences to Velvet and family for your loss….although I did not know Laurence well when I worked with Velvet, I knew him as a respected and clever businessman.
Thank you, Barry. Laurence had fond memories and photos of his trip with the SBC staff to Pink Lake. That trip renewed his interest in fishing. Trust all is well with you.
My condolences to Velvet and family. We met at Minds in Motion and I have thought of you and Laurence over the years wondering how you have been. So sorry for your loss I hope your days are filled with many Happy Memories.
Gladys, Thank you for thinking of us. I have been blessed in many ways and definitely have lots of great memories.
My condolences to you Velvet and your family. Your daughter delivered a wonderful eulogy about Lawrence. I would love to get in touch again, please send an email so that we can reconnect.
Donna, what a pleasant surprise. Thank you for your kind response. I would love to hear from you.
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