BYRON CRAIG SMITH, long time resident of Glenwood, Alberta, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 75 years old, on Saturday June 18, 2022 after a valiant battle with brain cancer. Craig was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend.
Craig is survived by his eternal companion, Colleen Smith; his 6 children Chad (Jen), Liz (Jeff), Carol (Joe), Demond, Angie, and Natasha; 7 siblings, 22 grand children, 3 great grand children and his many nieces and nephews. Craig is pre-deceased by his mother, Roberta Billingsley Smith and his father, Byron Smith and 2 children, David & Sariah Smith.
Craig grew up in typical Southern Alberta fashion, playing softball, basketball and baseball in his teenage years. Craig was grateful to serve a French speaking mission in Quebec, Canada, both for the amazing experience it was, as well as the opportunity to meet the woman of his dreams upon arriving home. He met the sister of his missionary companion at the airport. He married Colleen Marie Torrie on November 29,1969, celebrating their 52nd Anniversary last year.
Craig grew up with the values and work ethic that came starting as a youth, throwing bales, working on the ranch with his father-in-law, and dairy farming with his own Father. He demonstrated the importance of education to his children by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in animal science from BYU, and later returning to earn his MBA at the University of Alberta with 5 children. Craig provided for his family in a variety of ways, including managing for the Bank of Montreal in Leduc, AB and Viking, AB, various consulting roles including management and leadership training, Rural Diversification at the Lethbridge Community College, and Farm Debt Mediation as a Professional Agrologist. He rounded out his career as Assistant Manager at United Irrigation District (UID) in Glenwood for 7 years, where he was instrumental in writing a history book of the UID.
Craig loved to be outdoors working, helping with his children’s home projects, or coaching his kids in sports. He was the master of the 5-minute power nap on the floor and tried his best to be a fisherman and occasional golfer.
Craig was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He diligently served in many capacities including (among others), Bishop, Branch president, member of the Stake Presidency, Primary teacher, Seminary teacher and Scout leader. Upon asking him if he was reading any good books he would most often reply, “Yes, the Book of Mormon”. He absolutely loved the scriptures and loved to talk about the gospel. Craig’s faith was manifest in both word and deed. He loved to share his testimony, love of the gospel, and the Savior with his family. Craig didn’t seek the limelight and very humbly loved to quietly serve, minister to, and help family and friends. He always invited the Spirit into every family dinner/gathering with his righteous words of wisdom/testimony before he asked a family member to say the prayer.
We would like to especially thank the wonderful staff and management at the Good Samaritan Society at Lee Crest for all the kind and compassionate care given to Craig in the last months of his life. Also, a special thank you to his home care team and the palliative support workers her took such wonderful care of Craig.
Craig’s Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 25th at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Glenwood, Alberta chapel. Family and friends are invited to meet the family from 10:00 am to 10:45 am prior to the service. Interment will follow the funeral service in the Glenwood Cemetery.
Craig is survived by his eternal companion, Colleen Smith; his 6 children Chad (Jen), Liz (Jeff), Carol (Joe), Demond, Angie, and Natasha; 7 siblings, 22 grand children, 3 great grand children and his many nieces and nephews. Craig is pre-deceased by his mother, Roberta Billingsley Smith and his father, Byron Smith and 2 children, David & Sariah Smith.
Craig grew up in typical Southern Alberta fashion, playing softball, basketball and baseball in his teenage years. Craig was grateful to serve a French speaking mission in Quebec, Canada, both for the amazing experience it was, as well as the opportunity to meet the woman of his dreams upon arriving home. He met the sister of his missionary companion at the airport. He married Colleen Marie Torrie on November 29,1969, celebrating their 52nd Anniversary last year.
Craig grew up with the values and work ethic that came starting as a youth, throwing bales, working on the ranch with his father-in-law, and dairy farming with his own Father. He demonstrated the importance of education to his children by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in animal science from BYU, and later returning to earn his MBA at the University of Alberta with 5 children. Craig provided for his family in a variety of ways, including managing for the Bank of Montreal in Leduc, AB and Viking, AB, various consulting roles including management and leadership training, Rural Diversification at the Lethbridge Community College, and Farm Debt Mediation as a Professional Agrologist. He rounded out his career as Assistant Manager at United Irrigation District (UID) in Glenwood for 7 years, where he was instrumental in writing a history book of the UID.
Craig loved to be outdoors working, helping with his children’s home projects, or coaching his kids in sports. He was the master of the 5-minute power nap on the floor and tried his best to be a fisherman and occasional golfer.
Craig was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He diligently served in many capacities including (among others), Bishop, Branch president, member of the Stake Presidency, Primary teacher, Seminary teacher and Scout leader. Upon asking him if he was reading any good books he would most often reply, “Yes, the Book of Mormon”. He absolutely loved the scriptures and loved to talk about the gospel. Craig’s faith was manifest in both word and deed. He loved to share his testimony, love of the gospel, and the Savior with his family. Craig didn’t seek the limelight and very humbly loved to quietly serve, minister to, and help family and friends. He always invited the Spirit into every family dinner/gathering with his righteous words of wisdom/testimony before he asked a family member to say the prayer.
We would like to especially thank the wonderful staff and management at the Good Samaritan Society at Lee Crest for all the kind and compassionate care given to Craig in the last months of his life. Also, a special thank you to his home care team and the palliative support workers her took such wonderful care of Craig.
Craig’s Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 25th at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Glenwood, Alberta chapel. Family and friends are invited to meet the family from 10:00 am to 10:45 am prior to the service. Interment will follow the funeral service in the Glenwood Cemetery.
A Recording of the Service will be available Here to Watch following the Service on Saturday.