Richard "(Dick)" M. Smith

November 4, 1925 – January 3, 2019

With sadness our family announces the passing of Richard (Dick) Milton Smith on January 3, 2019. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Joan, brother in-law Harry and niece Gillian. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Smith, children Dan Smith (Sue), Stephanie Key (Dave) and grandchildren Shannon, Conor and Phoebe.

Dick was born in Vancouver BC, and was the second child of Phoebe and Charles Smith. He went to school in Vancouver until he joined the Canadian Merchant Marine, and served on convoy duty in the North Atlantic and South Pacific during the war. He left the Navy in 1946, returned to Vancouver and worked for his father in his insurance business. After his father died he managed the business and later sold it in 1955 to work as a claims supervisor for Northern Insurance, and a year later joined Baillie and Nelson as an adjuster. In 1958 he came to Chilliwack to manage the Chilliwack branch. He continued to work in the insurance industry until his retirement in 1987.

Over the years Dick was involved in the community. He served two terms on Chilliwack City Council, volunteered with the Red Cross, Rotary Club and BC Rifle Association to name just a few. In 2002 he was awarded the Canadian Red Cross Golden Jubilee Medal for his contributions. He was an avid firearms collector, smallbore target shooter, reader and enjoyed history, jazz and blues music, singing in the church choir and travelling.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday January 11, 1:00pm at St Thomas Anglican Church in Chilliwack. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Red Cross.