May 5, 1942 - May 7, 2022
Peacefully, and surrounded by his family, William Garreth 'Garry' Smith passed away on May 7, 2022 in Parksville, B.C., just after celebrating his 80th birthday.
Garry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Mardi; children: Nikki (Ryan) and Brad; and grandsons: Kasen and Soren.
He was predeceased by his parents: Ivan and Irene Smith; and sister: Joan Page.
Garry was born in Vancouver, B.C., on May 5, 1942. He grew up in East Vancouver and graduated from Killarney Secondary School. Before attending university, he spent time fighting fires in the BC Interior, working as a deckhand on the Great Lakes, pulling lumber in a sawmill, and having some hilarious adventures travelling through Europe with his best friend. Understanding how important an education was, he put himself through Simon Fraser University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1970.
After receiving his degree, Garry began a long and successful career with the Bank of Montreal where he met, and later married, the love of his life, Mardi. His career with the Bank took them from Vancouver to International Banking in Montreal. From there, they were transferred to London, UK then on to Sydney, Australia. After 12 years offshore he was transferred back to head office in Toronto and, after several years in Toronto during which he received the President's Award Of Excellence, Garry and Mardi decided it was time to leave the Bank Of Montreal and return to Vancouver to support their aging parents.
Garry retired in 1999, and in 2003 they moved to Parksville on beautiful Vancouver Island where they learned to appreciate the natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle of the Island. They enjoyed golfing, but mostly their passion was travelling the world. Their adventurous spirits and desire to learn about different cultures took them to every continent but Antarctica and left them with many wonderful memories.
Garry loved his family, travel, the Vancouver Canucks, good wine and sweet treats. He will be fondly remembered for his wicked sense of humour, quick wit, intelligence and ability to engage in a meaningful conversation with anyone.
At Garry's request, there will be no memorial service. Should friends wish to contribute to a cause, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada is close to our hearts.
The family would like to send a special thank-you to the staff at Stanford Seniors Village Long-Term Care for their care and compassion, especially in Garry's final moments.