Garth Smith

1945 - 2021

 Garth Franklin Smith, passed away in Taber on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at the age of 75 years.

Garth is survived by his daughters Casey (Barry) Arnestad and Jen (Spencer) Peterson; grandsons Mason and Rory Peterson and Tanner, Blade and Ryder Arnestad; brothers Grant (Yvonne) Smith, Garry (Alva) Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. 

 He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Dory Smith of Taber.  

 The youngest of three brothers, Garth was born in Shaunavan, Saskatchewan on October 24, 1945 to Harry and Dory Smith. He always had a love of cars and his whole life he enjoyed collecting toy cars of various make/model/year that were special to him. This was the same for books and movies and Garth's collections always included multiple copies of all his favorites because "You just never know...".  Over the years, Garth had various jobs, some brought him more joy than others, but he was always a hard worker and dedicated to doing the job right. He spent some time travelling and his destinations were often movie or television related. For example, he travelled to Germany specifically to see the castle that was in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and went to California to the Roy Rogers Museum where he actually got to meet his hero Roy in person. Garth was also a very involved father and grandfather and would try to come to all the sports or school functions that he could. When his daughters, and then grandsons were small, he would build forts in his house, play games, go on camping trips or book a hotel room just to use the pool. Anything that he thought would make them smile. While not a man of great means, Garth was still very generous and kind to those around him.  

 Garth had some mental health issues that unfortunately got worse as he aged, but his family will forever be thankful to those in the communities of Vauxhall and Taber, who showed understanding and compassion. Your kindness was seen and felt. 

 Garth will be privately remembered by his family and friends.

 Had Garth had more resources available to him when he was younger, maybe it would not have gotten so bad, so in lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes in Garth’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 426 - 6 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2C9 www.cmha.ca  or to the Centre for Suicide Prevention, Suite 320, 105 - 12 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 1A1 www.suicideinfo.ca.