Richard Alban "Ab" Smith

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ab Smith, our deeply loved father, grandad, and great-grandad, at the age of 94. He was blessed with a long, full, meaningful life.

Ab was born on December 23, 1931, in Kinkora, Prince Edward Island, to William and Mabel Smith.  He was one of twelve children and grew up during the Great Depression and Second World War. Growing up through these times shaped his lifelong values that Ab was known for – strong work ethic, devotion to family and commitment to community.

Ab completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at St. Dunstan’s University in 1953 then taught English and Latin for a year.  On August 10, 1954, Ab married the love of his life, Theresa (Terry) Cash, whom he met picking potatoes.  Together Ab and Terry began their journey west when he accepted a position with the Hudson’s Bay Company in Winnipeg, Manitoba. While living in Winnipeg, they welcomed their first three children, Debbie, Wayne, and Kim. Four years later, the family moved to Calgary, Alberta, where Brian, Greg, and Kari were born. They made their home in the Haysboro community on Hobart Road, where they lived for the next sixty years.

Hobart Road became the center for all things family.  Family was the heart of Ab’s life and “Grandad” made Hobart Road a special place for all his grandchildren.  Countless hours were spent there - tobogganing in the backyard, building birdhouses, riding home made go carts, and the ever-present swing. There was always cold pop in the fridge, a place to crash and tools to borrow.

Ab retired in 1997, but retirement simply gave him more time for the people and causes that mattered most. He remained active in his community and church and treasured the many vacations shared with family and friends and was always the first to volunteer to help with any project. Family, friends, and neighbours knew they could always count on him.

Ab held a deep respect for the clergy and generously gave countless hours of volunteer service to St. Gerard's Church. Over the years, he served as an usher, assisted with collections, and helped maintain parish records, putting his remarkable gift with numbers to good use.

He will be deeply missed by his children, Kim, Brian (Sandy), Greg (Teresa), and Kari (Garth); his daughter-in-law Nancy; his son-in-law Lee; 18 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; his brother Les as well as many nieces and nephews in Prince Edward Island and across Canada. Ab was predeceased by his beloved wife Terry; his son Wayne; his daughter Debbie; and his son-in-law Rob.

Ab's life was one of quiet strength, steadfast faith, and unwavering love for his family. His example of kindness, humility, dedication, and willingness to help others will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Gerard’s Church (8944 Elbow Drive SW) on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 11:00am. The service will be live- streamed through this link https://stgerards.ca/funerals-1 or below.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to Inn from The Cold (https://innfromthecold.org/donate/) or to the charity of one's choice. 

This obituary has been authorized by the family of Richard Alban Smith for posting on the Evan J. Strong Funeral Services website. Reproduction or redistribution without prior consent is prohibited.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Alban "Ab" Smith, please visit our floral store.