D. CHAD SMITH
October 23, 1968 – May 16, 2019
Chad was born in Winnipeg October 23, 1968 and spent his early years in the north end until the family moved to Transcona in 1975. There he attended Westview elementary, John Gunn and graduated from Transcona Collegiate Institute.
Growing up Chad loved the summer days when the family piled into the station wagon with the orange thermos full of kool aid, the blue cooler full of sandwiches and fruit for a drive to Birds Hill beach. He loved the summer trips to Lake Dauphin where more time was actually spent at the farm than at the cabin. Visits to Nana and Papa’s at Matlock were also a favorite.
Chad started his McDonald’s career in his early teens working his way to a management position where he managed multiple restaurants. Chad was very proud that he attended Hamburger University in Chicago. Chad remained with McDonald’s until he decided to make a career change in his late twenties. He enrolled at the U of M in the Faculty of Social Work. Chad worked at The Keg restaurant through his university years. The wine pouring skills he learned on the job became beneficial to him in his later years of life as his love of wine grew.
Chad graduated from the U of M faculty of Social Work with his BSW, BA and MSW. In Chad’s under grad year, through his field placement, he founded, developed and coordinated an anti-homophobia program, “Identifying Allies: A Safe Space Project”. His educational experience culminated in the completion of his thesis titled “Making sense of the senseless: The experience of being gay bashed.” Following graduation, Chad worked at the Men’s Resource Center, the U of M Student Counselling Centre, Rainbow Resource Centre and Red River College. Chad’s love of learning and sharing of knowledge led him to a Sessional Instructor position at the U of M Faculty of Social Work.
Chad’s passion for volunteering brought together his desire to help both animals and people. He proudly referred to his three cats, Harley, Mischief and Hobbes as “The Orange Pride” who are missing him dearly. He was involved with Rainbow Ministry, Mount Carmel Clinic, Winnipeg Humane Society, Craig Street Cats and his church Transcona Memorial United Church.
In 2016 Chad’s relationship with Cal began and it quickly proved to be completely life changing for both of them. Very quickly they realized this was to be a life-long partnership and were excited about living the future together when their lives were rocked with a cancer diagnosis. The wedding date was moved up and on May 27, 2017 Chad married Cal and together they formed an unshakeable team determined to live life fully and well. Their love was profound, passionate and immeasurable. In the ensuing two years they spent much time travelling, camping, visiting with friends, drinking wine, enjoying the theatre and enjoying being together wherever they were. While cancer treatments consumed much time Chad refused to let cancer define or control him, continuing to be active in every way to the extent that his physical condition allowed. He was a shining example of living with purpose and joy while navigating the extreme challenges of life.
It was while on a trip to the Bahamas with dear friends in March of this year that it became clear the cancer was progressing again and this time it was not to be stopped. His decline was quick, non-chemo medical treatment was unsuccessful and on Monday May 13 he was told treatment options had been exhausted. This news was met with great sadness and disappointment but also with incredible grace and peace. Chad wanted to die at home and it was only three days later that, in their home and in Cal’s arms, surrounded by family Chad took his last breath…his suffering came to an end. The loss is immeasurable and the grief overwhelming but we are thankful Chad is at peace.
He is survived by his husband Cal Bergen, his stepchildren Adam and Teighan Bergen and Carter Bergen, his parents Pam and Larry, siblings Gail and Dave Purcell (Andrew), Lori and Gerald Plischke (Justine and Lauren), Glen Smith and Lisa Thomsen, (Mathew) Parents in law Ben and Carma Bergen, brother in law Lorin and Jeanette Bergen (Emilie, Jamie and Natasha), sisters in law Shelly and Phil Isaak (Ethan, Kaitlyn, Meghan), Kristal Bergen and Shannon Kenney (Dominik) and numerous other relatives and friends.
If friends desire, donations may be made to Transcona Memorial United Church Building Fund or to the Winnipeg Humane Society.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Dale Chad Allen Smith Thursday May 16th 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba