Mark Smith, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK. Mark was born on May 1, 1929, in Moose Jaw, SK to Mark & Martha Smith. He grew up on the farm his father had pioneered in the Droxford area near Chaplin. He attended the Victoria School, a one room school near his home. He was a star for the Chaplin Hardball team. In 1958, he married Emma Miller. He was a long time director of the Morse Coop and later spent several years on the Pioneer Coop Board. Mark spent over thirty years as a Wheat Pool Committee member. He farmed with his brother Albert. Mark¹s pride were his Horned Herefords and his horses. He and his wife enjoyed square dancing, league bowling, camping, playing cards and visiting with friends. In 1998, Mark & Emma sold their farm and moved to Swift Current. There he joined the Prairie Pioneer Kiwanis Club, was active at the Senior Citizens¹ Centre, and helped with delivering Meals on Wheels. Life changed dramatically when he suffered a major stroke ten years ago and he lost most of his ability to speak. He showed great strength in striving to communicate and he continued to give back and be involved in the community. Mark always had a smile and enjoyed visiting. His real joy came when he was able to spend time in person or on the phone with his children, grandchildren, great-grand-children, nieces and nephews. Mark leaves to mourn his wife, Emma, of 55 years; his three children and their families, Sheryl (Greg) Siemens, and family, Alysha (Kevin) Falk ­ Cole, Grayson: Mark; Valerie (Jamie) Pearson; Darren Smith (Debbie), and family, Dustin (Jessica) Church ­ Hunter: Jessica (Russ) Church - Brooklyn: and their mother, Susan Smith; his brother-in-law, Oscar Silvester; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Mark & Martha Smith; his siblings, Albert (Eva) Smith, Hilda (Roy) Sheptyki, Ethel Silvester; and by his nephew, Roy Sheptyki.
The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 11:00 am from the Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Bradley Julien officiating. The musician for the service was Barb Mirau. ³Amazing Grace², ³When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder² and ³How Great Thou Art² were sung by the congregation. Tributes were shared by Mark¹s children and grandchildren and by a Slide Show. Special music was brought by Lenore Wentland & Maureen Olenic singing, ³Where the Roses Never Fade² and ³Mansion Over the Hilltop². Scripture was read by Verna Elderd and Ted Wiensz. The ushers in the church were Roy Deobald and Walt Boehm. The Interment was held at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, SK. In memory of Mark Smith, donations made to the Kiwanis Club of Prairie Pioneers Inc. or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to leave a personal message of condolence on the familyŒs obituary page, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com