August 16, 1942 – April 23, 2023

Laurence Andrew Charles Smith passed away peacefully on April 23^rd in Saskatoon surrounded by family after an amazing life of 80 years. Born on August 16, 1942, to Andrew and Patricia Smith, he grew up in Tisdale helping with the family business, Smith Hatcheries. After high school he attended classes at the University of Saskatchewan and then went to Teachers College in Regina.  After teaching two years in Eckville, Alberta, he studied business administration at the University of Alberta.  It was there where he met the love of his life, Velvet (Beechinor) at a dance. Laurence took over the management of the Prince Albert branch of Smith Hatcheries in 1967.  He married Velvet on July 6, 1968, in Prince Albert, and they started their life of adventure and family together welcoming 3 children: Rodney, Garnette, and Charlotte.

Laurence was a storyteller and known for his subtle, hilarious one liners triggering much laughter.  His passion for building, design and new projects was shared with his family and his children as together they built three houses, a cabin at Weyakwin lake, a rock solid tree house and party deck at Turtle Lake. Laurence had an authentic way of teaching others practical life skills in the most fun and engaging way.

In 1986, the Smith family moved to Saskatoon, where Laurence founded Smith Industries, a vacuum truck manufacturing company. Known for his resourcefulness and problem solving skills he made the most of any situation or project. Laurence was a respected businessman who developed longstanding trusted relationships.  Laurence gradually transitioned the management to his son, Rodney.

He loved cross country, downhill skiing and snowboarding with his family in the mountains.  He also enjoyed canoeing, sailing and camping.  Family was paramount for Laurence and as his tight knit family grew, he appreciated pizza Fridays, vacations, and numerous family weekends at Turtle lake.  After retiring, Laurence and Velvet enjoying many road trips and cruises with extended family and friends.

Laurence courageously faced a 10 year battle with Alzheimer’s supported by Velvet each step of the way, with the love and care from their family, Lori Watier, and CJ Pyra.

Laurence will lovingly be remembered by Velvet, his wife of 54 years, his son Rodney (Sheri) Smith, daughter Garnette (Daniel) Weber, daughter Charlotte (Duane) Henderson and grandchildren Hailey, Andrew, Owen, Rowan, Simon, Claire, and Paul. He will also be remembered by his siblings Muriel Cherry, Sylvia (Jim) Yallop, Clarence (Peggy) Smith, Lillian Bourne and Delbert (Jo-ann) Smith. Laurence was predeceased by his parents Andrew and Patricia (nee Teale) Smith, his brother Garnet Smith, brother-in-law, Don Cherry and his sister-in-law Rhonda Smith. Memories of him will be cherished by numerous other family members and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Lakeview Church (19 Glazier Rd, Saskatoon SK). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan. To leave condolences and to watch the live stream please go to www.dalmenyfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.

• Date : 2023-04-23
• Location : Saskatoon, SK