Obituary of Harold "Alvin" Smiley

SMILEY: Harold "Alvin" Smiley (1922 – 2017) It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Alvin Smiley on March 3, 2017, at the age of 94 years with his family by his side. Alvin was predeceased by his parents John and Lily, his wife Dorothy, his brothers Ross and Jake, and sisters-in-law Anita and Claire. He is survived by his sons David (Louise), Doug (Debbie), and daughter, Cathy Workman (Bev) as well as grandsons Mark, Scott (Krista) Smiley, and Kip, Trent (Mark), and Brodie (Brooke) Workman. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Kaitlyn and Claire Smiley, and Fisher Workman. Alvin will also be missed by his brothers Roy and Jim (Betty), sister-in-law Eleanor Epp, as well as several nieces and nephews. Dad was born on the family farm in East Selkirk on August 7, 1922, and was the eldest of the five Smiley boys. He attended Mayfield School and enjoyed working hard and growing up with his four brothers. The farm always held a special place in his heart. When World War II broke out, Dad enlisted into the Canadian Air Force on June 11, 1942. He believed it was his duty to serve his country. Dad loved to share stories about the war and his undying respect for his fellow comrades that were not fortunate enough to return home. Remembrance Day services were always a bittersweet and important day for Dad. Following the war, Dad became a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion and was a member of the Boissevain Legion Branch #10. He held numerous positions throughout his lifetime serving the legion as President, Vice President, Zone Commander, Area District Commander, and Honorary President for the Manitoba Command for one year. In 1946, Dad became employed with the Manitoba Power Commission, known today as Manitoba Hydro. Dad held a variety of positions throughout his 40-year career. He took great pride in bringing electricity to many parts of the province and often bragged about how fast he could climb a hydro pole. Dad married Dorothy Baxter on October 19, 1946. After moving several times due to his job, they eventually settled in Boissevain where they lived for 40 years. In 1995, after a few years of retirement, Dad and Mom moved to Brandon where they enjoyed spending more time with family. They resided at Imperial Place condos and enjoyed the many get-togethers with friends and neighbors there. Dad loved to shuttle his grandsons Kip, Trent, and Brodie to their many sporting events throughout the city and province. He was their number one fan. He also was a Wheat King season ticket holder for many years. Dad enjoyed travelling, golfing, snowmobiling, and family get-togethers. He especially loved when his eldest son, David, and his family travelled home from Alberta to spend time visiting every summer. He loved long drives with David and the Smiley boys. Their last tour was in the spring of 2016 where grandsons Mark, Scott, and sons David and Doug did a day trip back to Boissevain and area. In May of 2012, Dad moved to Victoria Landing. Here he made several new friends and enjoyed the five-star dining. He also enjoyed attending movies, concerts, and the many activities the Landing had to offer. Special thanks to Dr. L. Groves for the wonderful care he provided Dad over the past twenty years. Many thanks to the Homecare providers and the Palliative Care staff who looked after Dad. A special thank-you to the Caring Companions staff and the wonderful dedicated staff at Victoria Landing that made Dad's last 5 years of life so enjoyable. Dad always tried to live up to his name "Smiley!" Cremation has taken place and a family graveside service will take place at Rosewood Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Alvin may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8.