Obituary of Herbert Joseph "Joe" Smith

SMITH: Herbert Joseph (Joe) passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, surrounded by family, on May 26, 2012. He was born in 1929 in Boissevain, MB to Herbert and Eva Smith, the eldest of 11 children. His family moved to Brandon when he was very young where he started working in the construction industry at age 14. Joe spent many years with E.C. Higgens & Sons, and eventually became self-employed, operating under the name H.J. Smith & Sons, with his two sons. He took pride in having a very strong work ethic all his life and continued to work for family and friends in spite of declining health even after retirement. Joe married Grace Udey of Carberry in 1947 and cherished the memories of helping on the Udey family farm. Joe and Grace lived mostly in the East End of Brandon, where together they raised six children and cared for many others as foster parents. Grace passed away in 1980 and Joe married Loraine (Kooting) Porterfield in 1981. They enjoyed travelling and visiting friends and relatives and somehow found time to do some fishing and gardening. They made many trips to the West Coast before Loraine's passing in 2011. Joe was predeceased by his parents; first wife Grace; wife Loraine; sister Margaret Yarmiy; brother Lloyd; and sister-in-law Judy Smith. Joe will be lovingly remembered by his children: Joy (Ted) Asham; Betty (Harold) Nelson; Donald (Wendy) Smith; Richard (Rose) Smith; Kimberley Byczkowski; Wendy (Terry) Smith; and Loraine's children Doug Porterfield and Patricia Raviolas. Joe was a very special Grandpa to 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He will also be dearly missed by his sisters: Elsie (Morris) Blocka; Kay (Angus) Jaska; Jean (Charlie) Farrow; Dottie (Danny) Gayowsky; Marie (Barry) Millwater; and brothers: Donald; Murray (Nettie); Bob (Sharon); brother-in-law Jack Yarmiy; sister-in-law Dot Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe is survived by many extended family members in the Udey and Kooting families. Joe had a large family and held a special place in the heart of each and every one. A graveside memorial service was held at the Brandon Cemetery on May 31, 2012 with Pastor Craig Gibbs officiating.