Tribute

Obituary For Eric G. Smedley

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Eric on June 11th, at 96 years of age.

Eric was born in London England and was the youngest of six children. He started working at Siemen’s England at the age of fourteen and after 8 years of experience, he was offered and accepted the opportunity to install a telephone exchange in Rosetown, Saskatchewan. It was a difficult choice to go to Canada for this new job, as he had to leave his newly married wife Irene behind, but they made it work and, ultimately it was a good choice.

Following the completion of the work, he returned to England, but he soon realized that Canada is where he belonged. This time however, he brought Irene and his sister in-law Ann with him. His work took him to various cities across the prairie provinces. Following the birth of his daughter Elaine in Winnipeg, Eric and Irene decided that Toronto was where they should settle. This was a city where they were happiest and where their son Jack was born, and where they lived for approximately 30 years. Eric spent most of those years working at Ontario Hydro, now called Ontario Power Generation.

Soon after Eric’s retirement, Irene’s sister Ann and husband Les moved to Vancouver Island. The four of them were always very close so it only made sense that Eric and Irene follow them. Once in Duncan BC, Eric made some wonderful friends through the Duncan Waldorf School, the Cowichan Consort choir, neighbours, Wedgwood Place and good old Tim Hortons.

Eric loved being active and outdoors. When living in Ontario he camped, skied, skated, swam and sailed. and finally, when in Duncan, began biking the trails around the Cowichan valley. He was still riding into his late 80’s! He enjoyed having something to do, whether it be clearing trees from his property, serving on a board or spending time with a good friend or family member.

Eric also enjoyed spending time with his son, daughter, and grandchildren, who lived in Calgary. Elaine’s children always looked forward to the seeing their Gran and Grandad, as did Jack and his daughter.

Eric prided himself on not requiring help and would not move away to be near family as he got older. Even towards the end he was always out on his scooter riding around Duncan in the fresh air, picking up groceries or visiting Tim’s for his breakfast sandwich. He loved Duncan!

Eric was pre-deceased by his wife Irene of 67 years, his son Jack, and his five siblings. He is survived by his daughter Elaine, son in-law Todd, his three grandchildren Rhianon, Evan and Shaelagh, and great grandson Sebastian. He will be sorely missed.

Celebration of Life, Tuesday, July 2nd at noon – HW Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre.