SMITH - Tyler Kenneth Donald Smith age 31 years of Regina, SK and formerly of Abbey, SK died suddenly at his home in Regina on Tuesday, December 14, 2010. He was born at Swift Current, SK on April 21, 1979. Tyler is survived by his father Dawson Smith of Abbey, his mother Jody (Tom) Rice of Neville, SK, his sister Sharla Smith and nephew Keithan of Shaunavon, his stepbrother Bryan (Pam) Rice and nephew Taeghan of Regina, his paternal grandmother Bernie Smith of Swift Current and his maternal grandparents Ken and Donna Reeson of Regina. He is also survived by many special aunts and uncles: Sylvia Smith of Saskatoon; Sharlene (Garry) Higginson of Success; Bevin (Janice) Smith of Abbey; Verol (Tammy) Smith of Abbey; Bonnie Reid of Victoria; Colleen (Glen) Reynolds of Cabri; Rick (Katya) Reeson of Edmonton; Holly Reeson; Dave (Janice Campbell) Reeson; John Reeson; Peggy (Terry) Linder; Sarah (Kevin) Bodnar; Lian Schwann all of Regina; Ken (Paulette) Reeson of Beaumont, AB and many, many close Smith and Reeson cousins. He is predeceased by Grandpa Donnie Smith, Uncle Kenny Smith, Uncle Keith Smith and Cousin Andrew Reeson. Tyler was born with "dirt in his blood"! His lifelong ambition was to be a farmer just like his Dad, uncles Keith, Bevin, Verol and Kenny, and his Grandpa Donnie. He spent many hours in the tractor or combine on the family farm at Abbey. He loved sports of all kinds, but hockey was his passion. He was an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan and proudly stood up for the team no matter what the outcome. From the time he could walk he was often seen with a hockey stick in his hand even taking it to bed at night. He played hockey for city teams in Saskatoon and Regina and for the Abbey Eagles and was nicknamed "little digger". He was often on the same team as stepbrother Bryan and was coached by stepdad Tom. He had dreams of being an NHL hockey star, but unfortunately the challenges Tyler faced with epilepsy made this goal unattainable. He enjoyed many Saskatchewan Roughrider games with his dad and close friends. Like most men, Tyler hated two things - shopping and voicing his true feelings for those he cared about. Tyler would often let his sister Sharla do the shopping for gifts for his mom, but he always insisted on picking out the "perfect card". The relationship he had with his mom revolved around the unconditional love and support they shared. Though not often spoken in words, Tyler had a special bond with his mom that will never be broken. Tyler and his sister Sharla were only 14 months apart and in their toddler years were often mistaken for twins - "Pete and RePete" according to Uncle Garry. They were best buddies from the beginning and supported one another through many challenging times and were first to cheer the other's successes. As the first grandchild on the Reeson side he held a special place in all our hearts. There was nothing better than a competitive golf game against Mom, Nannie and Poppa followed by Nannie's special roast beef dinner or Poppa's barbequed steak - cooked to perfection. He loved Auntie Holly's special cookies and many holidays were spent with Uncle John at Regina Beach. He loved to play cards with the Smith Clan - especially challenging Grandma Bernie to a game of crib. He had an amazing memory of the cards played and was a tough opponent. Tyler graduated from grade 12 at Balfour Collegiate in Regina. He worked at Urban Forest Recyclers in Swift Current and in the past year he had found the job of his dreams working in an agriculture related trade as an operator at Saskcan Pulse in Regina. He enjoyed the people he worked with there and was very proud of the work he did. Anyone who went to visit him at work had to have "the tour" of the plant. He was a "sweetie" and a "jokester" to many and we will miss his quick wit and dry sense of humor. He had many "wrecks" in his life resulting from his epilepsy and regardless of the magnitude of the injury he always jokingly described himself as being in "peak physical condition"! In spite of his life's challenges Tyler's big smile and sparkling licorice eyes never faded. Tyler had a very close relationship with his Auntie Sarah and whenever he needed to talk or needed help with anything, Auntie Sarah and Uncle Kevin were always there. He was a special son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin, but his proudest role was as Uncle. The love he had for his nephew Keithan was immeasurable and when the going got tough it was that little boy that kept the world turning. They had a remarkable bond revolving around common passions. Many hours were spent on the phone talking to Uncle about their favourite topics - farming and hockey- or visiting with Uncle Tyler playing mini hockey sticks or water sliding. The funeral service was held Monday, December 20th in Swift Current at First United Church with Reverend James Graham officiating. Remembrance candles were lit by Meghan Reeson, Scott Smith and Janine Baumann. Auntie Sarah was the urn bearer. She bravely provided a special tribute to Tyler with funny stories of their close friendship. Sister Sharla wrote a beautiful eulogy that was read by Uncle Rick Reeson. Ushers were Brandi Prentice, Michelle Dewar, Chuck Warnke, Lawrence Newburgh, Jay Smith and Peter Reeson. Pallbearers were Chad Smith, Bryan Rice, Jeff Prentice, Beau Smith, Kevin Bodnar and Jarrid Linder. Honorary Pallbearer was Keithan Smith. Scriptures were read by Cousins Carri-Ann Smith and Anita Smith. Power point memories of Tyler were compiled by Tara Dewar. Special music was provided by Catherine Lewans. A private family interment took place at Abbey Community Cemetery in Abbey. Binkleys Funeral Service of Shaunavon (www.Binkleys.com) was in charge of the arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Epilepsy Canada or the Abbey Arena in care of Binkleys Funeral Service toll free at 1-877-BINKLEY (1-877-246-5539).
I am home now, don't you cry
I will watch over you from the sky
And I will wait for you at heavens gate
Until we meet again someday.
Catherine Lewans 2009
Printed with permission
Someday we'll see you at heavens gate Tyler - until then remember - we love you forever!