Over a dozen members of Loyd Smith's family were present for Saturday's park dedication ceremony. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Lest We Forget

‘He was a champion’: Prince Albert park named in honour of veteran

Sep 9, 2023 | 4:17 PM

A man who gave 25 years of his life to the Canadian Forces, will forever be remembered in Prince Albert.

The Loyd Smith park dedication was held Saturday afternoon. Over two dozen people attended the event on Dent Cres. Smith’s daughter Barbara Mathiason told paNOW it’s a great honor.

‘We are very proud of him and it’s just a place we can come and celebrate him,” she said.

The park is one of several across the city being named in honor of a veteran. Mathiason explained her family was first notified last summer, and Smith, who passed away on Sept. 10, 2022, was still alive to hear the news.

“He’s a pretty modest man so he didn’t want a fuss,” Mathiason explained, adding though her father was still very happy.

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In her remarks to the crowd, Mathiason thanked members of city council, making special mention of Dennis Ogrodnick, who she explained has helped spearhead the park dedications and has shown a dedication to the history of Prince Albert.

“You’ve made a difference in our city,” she said.

Mathiason also noted her dad loved the legion and was a proud member for 53 years.

The story of Loyd Smith

Prior to reading the story of Loyd Smith, City Councilor Dennis Ogrodnick recalled a time nearly 10 years ago when he was able to bring Smith into his classroom at St. Mary High School for the purpose of being interviewed by the students. Ogrodnick noted how humble and modest Smith was throughout the process.

Born in 1925, on his family’s farm near Choiceland, Smith enlisted in the war at the age of 18 and was joined by his three older brothers.

“Because as he said everyone was doing it and it was the thing to do,” Ogrodnick read.

In 1943, Smith enlisted at the Royal Canadian Air Force’s recruiting centre in Saskatoon and started his basic training in Edmonton. From there he would go on to Quebec to receive his gunnery training for the position of the rear gunner.

City Councilors Don Cody, Dawn Killmer and Dennis Ogrodnick. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Roughly nine months later, Smith left for overseas and was in Europe for a year. While there he kept in contact with family and friends through letters.

“Luckily the war was coming to an end in Europe and he wasn’t, as he had said stuck in a dangerous, but again that’s being very humble,” Ogrodnick said. “He was in a dangerous situation all the time.”

As the rear gunner, Smith found himself cramped in a small area, and was very cold. While manning four guns that each fired 1,150 rounds per minute, Smith would be wearing a heated blanket and oxygen mask.

Smith’s first mission involved a diversion raid to distract the nazis so the English could bring in their bombers and it was done at night.

“Mr. Smith said he could distinctly remember he was supposed to watch for planes around him but he couldn’t see anything because of the darkness,” Ogrodnick explained.

Although only embarking on one mission, most of Smith’s time was spent practicing for those missions. His monthly cheque of $120 was spent on cigarettes and at the local pub.

“He jokingly told us he loved to go out and chase those English gals,” Ogrodnick said.

When the war ended, Smith and his brothers safely returned home and he worked a number of odd jobs before rejoining the air force and working as a mechanic.

In 1972, Smith retired from the air force and in 1982, Smith, along with three other Canadian met up with three veterans from Britain and had a small re-union.

“When asked, he said he had no regrets about joining and said he would choose the air force again.”

Family members listen attentively during the dedication ceremony. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Smith had two daughters, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

“I call him a boy from the prairies, a man who answered the call to serve his country at the most dangerous time in our country’s history,” Ogrodnick said. “He was a champion who helped free the European continent and gave us the freedom we have today and finally I’d call him a hero because he gave 25 years of his life to the Canadian forces and he helped end World War II

Among the special dignitaries in attendance were City Councilors Dawn Kilmer and Don Cody. Cody thanked everyone who came out for the park dedication and noted Smith’s personal sacrifice for his country.

“And those types of people you have to honour and continue to honour and as the legion always says Lest We Forget,” he said.

Several members of the Prince Albert legion attended the ceremony. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell