Roy Smith
1941 - 2023
Dan LeRoy Smith passed away peacefully in his sleep in Lethbridge on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the age of 81 years.
Left to cherish his memory is his children Marty (Lisa) Smith, Nancy (Brian) Miles, Jim (Cheryl) Smith, Marlene (Darcy) Chalmers, Shawn (Abby) Smith; two step daughters Sharee (Bob) Perlich and Debbie Schmitz as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Dennis Smith and sister Cheryl (Brien) Farrell.
He has been reunited with those who have gone before him including his son Derald Smith, granddaughter Kelsea Schmitz, granddaughter Della Bennett, parents Dan and Edith Smith and stepmother Louise Smith, brother Derald Smith, along with many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Roy was born in Lethbridge on November 7, 1941 to Dan and Edith Smith. He was raised in Raymond. Roy became a transport driver at the age of sixteen and became an owner/operator at age seventeen. He was never far from the wheel of a truck. Roy received several safety awards while driving for Melchin Auto Transport. He was proud of his career. Roy hauled cars and trucks from 1959 to 1978. In 1978 he moved to Taber and established R&B Industrial Cleaning, then R&B Water Hauling, until he retired in 1998. Roy worked for various other trucking companies off and on throughout the years, always being a professional truck driver and exhibiting a strong work ethic (a trait which is proudly passed on to his kids). Roy believed in top quality maintenance and sparkling clean units.
He enjoyed travelling, camping, rodeo and spending time with his family and friends. Roy had a gruff exterior and was affectionately known by his grandkids as “Boss Hog”. He also had a soft side that was obvious to those who knew him well.
A private family celebration of life was held.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Roy’s name may be made directly to STARS, 1441 Aviation Park NE, PO Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7 www.stars.ca.