1919 - 2011

It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the passing of our beloved, Violet Olga Smith, at Royal Inland Hospital, on Saturday, May 21, 2011, at the age of 91.

Violet is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Vivian Russell and son-in-law Robert, her granddaughter Bonnie Drysdale and husband Rob, her granddaughter Roberta Russell, her daughter-in-law Mary Smith, her grandson Gerald Smith and wife Linda, her grandson Harold Steele and wife Lana, and her nephew Bart Coutts and wife Debbie, as well as many other family members and countless friends.

Violet is predeceased by her husband Arthur and son, Thomas.

Violet was born September 14, 1919 in Viking, Alberta to Axel and Thea Larson. She grew up in a farming community near Mission, BC, where she met and married Arthur on her 21st birthday. The couple and their two children, Thomas and Vivian, moved to Kamloops in 1952.

Not only a loving wife and mother, Violet was especially proud of being the first female custodian to work for the Kamloops School District, where she worked for 27 years. Violet and her husband enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling throughout BC, Alaska and the Yukon. Their love of the outdoors, lead them to retire at Paul Lake in 1986, where they made numerous friends. Arthur passed away in 1991.

Violet honoured her adventurous spirit and her ranching heritage by riding the trail as the oldest participant with the Kamloops Cattle Drive for 13 consecutive years. She anticipated the Cattle Drive all year, as she looked forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones.

Always lively, Violet lived her life with grace, integrity and showed great strength, an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.

The Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 27, 2011 at the Hillside Cemetery, 750 Notre Dame Drive, Kamloops with Reverend Ray Parker officiating. Following the service, friends are encouraged to join family for a time of fellowship and refreshment in the tea room on the lower level of the Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive.