Grant McKinlay Smith

Grant Smith passed away at the Foothills Medical Centre on Thursday, February 16, 2017 with his family praying at his side. Grant will be deeply missed by his loving wife Paula; son Ralph; daughter Lisa (Steve Parsons), and his grandchildren Ariele Parker, Chad (Hannah) Parsons, Cody Smith, Courtney Smith and Adam Parsons. He will be lovingly remembered by his sister Sydney Gardave and nephews Ralph Gardave, Kevin Gardave, and Bruce Gardave. Grant was predeceased by, his father Ralph in 1950 and his mother Mary (Petrie) Smith in 1980.
Grant spent his entire life in Calgary. He graduated from Central High School, and then the University of Alberta with a degree in Engineering Physics in 1960. He started his career with IBM, leaving in 1983 to manage his family oil and gas exploration company, Vanguard Petroleums. The companies were sold in 1990, and Grant has enjoyed retirement since then.
Grant was a sports enthusiast and was active all his life. He was an accomplished equestrian, avid skier, and enthusiastic hunter. He almost never passed up an invitation to golf, spending many happy hours at the Glencoe Golf and Country Club. He was a long-time Stampede Director with the Stampede Light House Show and was involved with his children's activities, taking leadership roles with the Pony Club and Boy Scouts.
In Grant's words, he found God in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. For 28 ½ years he mentored others and shared his story, wisdom and encouragement at AA meetings in Calgary and Texas.
Grant's faith was important to him in all aspects of his daily life. Together with Paula, they became active members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Michael's where Grant had many opportunities to share his kindness, faith, advice, and expertise with filing tax returns with those less fortunate. Grant and Paula were active with Catholic Engaged Encounter in Calgary for 27 years, sharing their story and faith with couples preparing for marriage.
In their retirement years, Grant and Paula explored the warmer climates of the southern USA first by RV and then in 2006 settled 5 months a year in a Winter Texan community in Pharr, TX. Grant spent many hours on the golf courses there; he crafted many beautiful stained glass items, and he enjoyed the wonders of nature assisting in leading bird watching walks. They also enjoyed many 'trips of a lifetime', visiting all seven continents and strange places such as Borneo and Papua New Guinea.
Grant lived life fully and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nursing staff who so professionally and kindly attended to him at the Foothills. The prayer vigil will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 7:00 pm at St. Michael Catholic Community, 800 85 St. SW. The Funeral Mass will take place at St. Michael Catholic Community on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 11:00 am. Graveside Service to follow at Union Cemetery. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Grant's family through www.evanjstrong.com. Friends who wish to do so, may make a memorial donation to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 47 Squires Bakers Lane, Markham Ontario L3P 3G8 or via the website cpff.ca (under the Get Involved tab). Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. (403) 265-1199.

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