Grant Alexander Smith

Grant grew up in North Vancouver and graduated from Delbrook High School. He worked with his dad, George Smith, and brother Bruce Smith, at the North Shore Lumber Yard, but felt the need to travel and see the world. He graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Education and taught English and P.E for a few years. His passion for sports led him to be an original Capilano Rugby player in 1969, a UBC Football player, and a member of the Firefighter's soccer league for many years.

After an early diagnosis of heart issues, he was not impressed with the idea of taking medication for the rest of his life. He heard a CBC radio spot on acupuncture and was soon on his way to Taiwan for training. He fought long and hard for the right to practice acupuncture in Vancouver and was successful in paving the way for the Acupuncture board and college that exists today.

Grant’s many world travels included trips to Seoul and South Africa for the World Cup soccer tournaments, time working in the UK and traveling through Asia, Europe, and many other countries. He saw Paul McCartney with 250,000 people in Mexico City, saw the Beatles play a free concert in London, and the Rolling Stones on a number of occasions all over the world. He surfed the Tamarindo beach in Costa Rica while there for his daughter Carlie’s wedding. He lived a full life and never held back and inspired others to do the same including his nieces, Lyndsay and Kelly.

A devoted father, he could not have asked for a more caring and loving daughter in Carlie. She shares his love of sports and was also a Capilano rugby player. Grant had fun with his grandchildren, Oliver and Amelia, picking salmon berries and playing ‘monster’ on the playground. His stepchildren, Stephanie and Kyle, appreciated his love of canoeing and hiking during their childhood.

Grant celebrated his 75th birthday with a trip to Mexico with his family; Carlie Parkinson, her husband Tom, grandchildren, Oliver and Amelia and his stepdaughter, Stephanie Renwick and her husband, Arliss.

Grant will be long remembered in the acupuncture community in Vancouver, in the memory of everyone he healed in his practice and by his teammates, friends, and family.

A celebration of Grant’s life will be held on Saturday, December 28th from 2pm to 4pm at Capilano Rugby Clubhouse, 1910 Glenaire Drive, North Vancouver, BC.

in lieu of flowers please donate to:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/be-the-change-2019

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit our website at www.dignitymemorial.com