Smith, Barry Roy “Smitty”
BARRY ROY “SMITTY” SMITH
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, papa, brother, son, neighbor, and friend, Barry Roy Smith on Monday, August 3rd, 2020. Barry passed away peacefully in his home with his loving family by his side, after a courageous battle with bile duct cancer.
Barry was born on November 15th, 1955 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He attended St. Mary’s and Vanier Collegiate. He married the love of his life and best friend, Gail, in 1977 and spent 43 years dedicating his life to his wife and family. Smitty’s career spanned over three decades with the Canadian Pacific Railway, where he met many lifelong friends. In their retirement years, Gail and Smitty worked as a team, following their passion with Smitty’s Creations, making many beautiful wood works of art that will leave a legacy of his incredible talents for many years.
Anyone who met Smitty was drawn to his kind and caring nature. He was humble and selfless; always going out of his way to help others and never asking or expecting anything in return. He truly had the “gift of gab” and could make a three-minute story into a half hour conversation. Smitty could light up a room with his larger than life personality, infectious laugh, and beautiful smile. We have heard from many people that the neighborhood will never be the same. He spent many summers camping with his family and was his kid’s biggest fan, rarely missing one of their many activities. He was a very proud father. Smitty was an avid sports fan, who loved both the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He enjoyed golfing, fastball, and in recent years, watching his grandchildren in their sporting adventures. He loved going on gambling trips with his wife and truly enjoyed the little things in life like working on a Sudoku puzzle or trying to master the next level in Candy Crush. He will be remembered for his beautiful yard, his love for dogs, being an amazing cook, and the sparkle that was present in his eyes during all holiday seasons, especially Christmas.
The most important thing to him was his family. He was the most hands-on and involved papa. He has eight gorgeous grandchildren who idolize their “Papa”. When his grandbabies were around, his knee or hands were never free and he could be found on the ground playing, in the shop teaching, pushing a swing, dancing, or planning fun activities to make them happy. They meant the world to papa.
He was predeceased by his father, Thomas Roy; father-in-law, Lawrence Dick; and sister-in-law, Dianne Kolybaba. Barry will be lovingly remembered by his soulmate and wife of 43 years, Gail; his children: Brad (Karen) Smith and their children Campbell, Layney, and Kynley, Tamra (Brad) Birnie and their children Dylan, Myla, and Brody, Kailey (Tanner) Gillies and their children Maisie and Adelyn; mother, Gisele Smith; sister, Claudia (Gord) Berscheid; sister, Tracy Smith; mother-in-law, Vina Dick; brother-in-law, Ken Dick; sister-in-law, Sandra (Tom) Rogers; his best friend and furry sidekick, Missy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and many close friends.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Palliative Home Care for their loving treatment of Barry and his family during his final days. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Private Memorial Service for Barry will be held. A viewing of the service will be available on Monday, August 10th, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast. As an expression of remembrance, donations in Barry’s name may be made to The Moose Jaw Humane Society, Box 1658 Station Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7 or Five Hills Health Region Palliative Care, 55 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2.
Our team is now missing our most important member, but we promise to do all we can do to “Keep our Sticks on the Ice”.
We love you, Papa.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt Funeral Director 306-693-4550
The Smith family, so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing, he really was a awesome man , please keep your fond memories close during this difficult time
My condolences to all of Barry’s family. He was always a pleasure to work with as well as a friendly face no matter where you met him.
Dear Gail and all of your Family. I am so very sorry for your loss and my heart aches for all of you. Barry was a wonderful man with the kindest heart ever. We shared many fun times together and those will always be fond memories. This is a very difficult time but I know what a great family you are and you will all help each other. Prayers and hugs to all of you. love Glenda
We are so very sorry to hear about Barry. The hockey days, school activities, meeting him on my walks, grocery shopping…that was the guy I remember. A family guy. So sorry for your kids. Remember the best of times. The great memories
Our Deepest Sympathies to you Gail and Family on the loss of Barry, Prayers and thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Our families have many great wood works that you two made together, treasured by all!!
Gail and family, Deepest sympathy to you all, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time
Gail and family . So so sorry for your loss . Barry sounds like he was a very special husband , Father and grandfather .My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time .
So sorry to hear of brother Barry’s passing. He was an amazing railroader to learn from and work with, always had a good outlook on whatever was presented to him. I feel very lucky to have worked with Barry in the last few years before he retired. I send my condolences and prayers to the Smith family as well as his many other friends outside of the railroad family. Heaven now has another amazing conductor to guide the way along it’s tracks. Rest easy brother Barry your
home.
Gail and family so sorry for your loss, thinking of you at this trying time
To Gail and the Smith family. My heart hurts for all of your during this dreadfully sad time. I will always remember Barry with a ready smile and a cheerful conversation. May all your great memories help you find some peace.
A fantastic person and wonderful co-worker. Always enjoyed our conversations. Barry will be greatly missed. Condolences to his entire family.
My condolences to Smitty’s family and friends. Any trip I had with him was filled with lots of laughs. I was honoured to work with one of the best conductors at CP. Rest in peace brother.
So sorry to hear of Barry’s passing, he was a great guy and will be missed by everyone that ever met him.
So sorry to hear of Barry’s passing, he was a great guy. He will be missed
My deepest condolences to the Smith family. Barry was one of those guys who was always smiling when he came to work and his humour always made the trips better. Barry’s infections smile, laughter and jokes will truly be missed. Rest In Peace Brother.
Our sympathies to you, Gail, and your entire family. We are so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Our Condolences to Gail and her family, we are so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing . We always had a good talk when ever me met .
Deepest sympathy to the entire Smith family.I had the pleasure of working with Barry and can honestly say don’t know if I ever saw him have a” bad” day or if he did you wouldn’t know it. When I saw him it was usually followed by a “ Ganzee” which instantly made me crack a smile and await our further discussion. Will miss him and those encounters we had. Nothing but clear green signals from here on. RIP Brother
I was so sorry to hear the passing of Barry. I send my condolences to Barry’s family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Barry was well liked by everyone in our ,family it was nice having him for a neihbour checking our house .and of course his humour and good nature.
Gail and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. We met you and Barry on a gambling bus trip. We had a nice visit with you and had hoped to meet up with you both again. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Dennis and Liz Weiers
My condolences to Barry’s family. I haven’t seen Barry in years. He was a special person , even in his younger years. I went to school with him, both elementary and high school.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Gail and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Barry’s passing. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. Barry was one of the good guys. I spent many years working with Barry( and socializing) and he was always a pleasure to be around. He will truly be missed by many.
So sorry to learn of Barry’s passing. .Our condolences to Gail and all your family. He was a wonderful guy with a great smile we will never forget ….I know he will never be forgotten…cherish the memories…Colette and Dave Krawczyk
Smith Family,
On behalf of the Uchacz family we send our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your son, husband, father and grandfather. We have many great memories of all the years in Moose Jaw, Courval and numerous family get-togethers and they will not be forgotten. Wish we could be there in person to celebrate the full and wonderful life that Barry lived and know that we are thinking of you.
Helen, Benny, Janet, Laurie, Jody, Greg and all our families.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this terribly difficult time. Barry was a great man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family Gail!! Barry was such a kind a gentle soul and will be missed by so many!! So very sorry for your loss!! Xx
My condolence to the entire Smith family. It was a gift to spend the time virtually to hear the moving tributes to Smitty. Nice to see Claudia and Tracy again. Yes Brad you are so much like your dad. My best to you Gail. Enjoy your memories of Papa. He will be greatly missed.
Jerome and Lynn Reilander
What a beautiful service!!! Our deepest sympathies to Gail and all the family. Barry was just everybody’s friend and will be truly missed. You have so many memories from all the pictures you shared with us. That is a real blessing.
Gail and family, so sorry to hear of Smitty passing. He was truly a great guy to work with. I knew that if I was working with Barry, no matter what , it was going to be a better day .
So sad to here about about Barry , have many great memories. lots of laughs but will always remember how kind he was, Barry was a true friend to all
Gail, Kailey, Brad, Tamra and families, we were very sorry to hear about Barry’s passing. Barry was a wonderful man, and Brad, that was wonderfully reflected in the tribute you gave him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
To Gail and her family so sorry to hear about Barry he was such a great man with a warm smile and a friendly word for everyone he will surely be missed by one and all take care and remember all the good times as I’m sure there are many
Praying that God will comfort your heart,
uplift your spirit, and carry you through
this time of sadness to a place of peace.
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY
Gail, Brad, Tamara, Kailey and families, so very sorry for your loss. Barry was a great, great man and will be missed. I will always remember his happy, smiling eyes. Hang in there…..
Smitty , well done my friend well done, keep smiling until we meet again , it has been an honor to have met and worked with you.