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Vern James Smith of Turner Valley was born at St. Mary’s Hospital on November 11th, 1957. Baptized at St. Francis Xavier on November 19th, 1957. He went to rest on October 17th, 2023, at the young age of 65.
Growing up on the family farm in Bittern Lake Alberta, Vern was the second born of five children, son to Stewart (predeceased) and Violet Smith. Brother of Bill, Adele, Craig, and Michelle (predeceased).
Vern grew up with a passion for motorcycles, sports, and horses. He learned hard work on the Smith family farm from a young age. Graduating from Camrose Composite in 1975.
Vern professionally rodeoed from 1975-1985. He was the permit award winner in 1978, then qualified for the CFR 3 times in 1983-85. He had another go from 1996-2000 amateur rodeoing with his sons in the BCRA and NRA. Became the Steer Wrestling Champion in the BCRA in 1996.
His first son Colt was born during the CFR on November 10th, 1983. Then his second son Payton on July 21st, 1988, and his daughter Keeley on August 21st, 1991.
Vern enjoyed traveling, spending time in Nevada and other parts of the United States, British Columbia, Alberta, Costa Rica, and Mexico. He was always up for adventure whether it was fishing, skiing, snow shoeing, boating, snowmobiling, quadding, horses, and of course all his motorcycle trips down south and everywhere in between.
Vern was always making new friends everywhere he went and loved to swap stories of past times.
He had a love for football and enjoyed cheering on the Calgary Stampeders. In 2005 Vern and Colt built the Stampeders Bike, collaborating with Jamie Crysdale, his daughter Grace and the Calgary Stampeders. Raffling it off for the Kids Cancer Foundation.
Vern always had a love for animals, whether that be horses, cows, dogs, cats, goats, or any other critter like squirrels whom he would love to feed.
Vern was a proud grandfather and was blessed to have 6 grandchildren whom he cherished. First came Emma (18) then Ryder (13), Emmett (9), Ivy (6), Weston (3), and Cooper (1). His grandchildren will always remember his horseback and motorcycle rides, big bear hugs, scratchy mustache kisses, generosity with ice cream treats, sleeping in the semi and his deep love for them.
“Ride off into the sunset, remember who you are without outside voices. Find yourself on the lost and forgotten road from which you strayed. Whatever you do, avoid the ordinary and routine. Live without apology for this is a fiercely beautiful existence.”
Psalm 92: 14: “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.” This is a reminder that our fathers have been with us through every stage of life and will never be forgotten.
Vern will be dearly missed by all of us.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 at2:00 p.m. At the Flare and Derrick community Centre in Diamond Valley, Alberta
Arrangemenst are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home High River (403)652-2222.
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November 11 1957
October 17 2023
Death notice for the town of: High-River, Province: Alberta
death notice Vernon James Smith November 11 1957
October 17 2023
obituaries notice Vernon James Smith November 11 1957
October 17 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Vernon James Smith November 11 1957
October 17 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.