Jerry Smith

Smith: Jerry Fyffe Smith died on Friday, November 8, 2019. He was born on March 3, 1925 to William Wensley Smith and Islay Smith nee Fyffe. Jerry was a life long resident of Swift Current. He received his education at Central School and Beattie Collegiate, graduating in 1943. In June of that year Jerry enlisted in the RCAF. He joined a Canadian Air Crew, was posted with RAF Squadron 99 and volunteered for operations as a wireless air gunner flying out of India and the Cocos Keeling Islands. Following active service Jerry returned home to work at the Bank of Montreal in Swift Current, Arborfield and Moose Jaw until 1948 when he joined his father in W.W. Smith Agencies. Jerry remained there until his retirement in 1979. He was very pleased to see his son Gord, his step-son Bob, then his grandson Will, continue the family business. Jerry married Vernie Bennett in 1948. They were active in the Swift Current community raising their children, Gordon and Colleen. They also loved the Cypress Hills where their cabin provided many years of enjoyment for family and friends. Jerry had a special affection for Fort Walsh. His grandfather, Jerry Fyffe, was tasked to established the NWMP post at Moosomin. His grandfather's work contributed to Jerry's lifelong interest in the history of the Force. Following Vernie's passing, Jerry married Betty Lou Armstrong in 1984. Jerry and Betty Lou enjoyed many winters in California golfing and socializing with the large community of snowbirds who landed there every year. Jerry was a member of the Swift Current Shrine and he loved being a drummer in the band. He and Betty Lou always looked forward to attending the Shrine and Jester events with their friends. During the summer Jerry and Betty Lou spent much of their time at the Funny Farm, just south of the city, tending the cabin and the grounds and enjoying the natural beauty of their spot by the creek. It was a great place to entertain family and friends and was always Jerry's preferred location for our annual Father's Day family gathering. Jerry and Betty Lou enjoyed travelling and in 1999 made a special trip to Toronto for the reunion of the RAF Squadron 99 giving Jerry an opportunity to reunite with the men he served with overseas.
Jerry was a loyal, kind and gentle man with a quick wit and a positive attitude. He loved being outdoors enjoying the simple pleasures in life including opening day of pheasants, fishing, picking pin cherries, making jelly (and winning ribbons in the Frontier Days competition), planting a garden and playing golf. Throughout their married life Betty Lou and Jerry were a team spending most of their time together. During the past year Betty Lou seldom left his side as she cared for Jerry with love and compassion beyond measure. Jerry lived a full and active life and he will be dearly missed by his wife Betty Lou, his son Gord (Carol), grandson Will (Lisa), Betty Lou's daughter Shanon Armstrong (Ron), son Bob Armstrong (Sharon), and daughter-in-law Angela Armstrong and their families; and by Jerry's nieces Islay Jean Holmes (David), Joan Peters (Wayne), nephew Ron Smith (Vicki) and his great nieces and nephews. Jerry was predeceased by his wife Vernie, daughter Colleen and Betty Lou's son Jim Armstrong, parents William and Islay, siblings Bill & Donaleen, Jack & Beth, and Beth & Don Ross, nieces Sandra Chambers and Suzanne Hogan and great nephew David Downey.  The family would like to thank Shirley Ann and the staff at Willow Creek Manor who supported Jerry with kindness and respect during the last months of his life. A celebration of Jerry's life took place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at First United Church in Swift Current. Memorial donations to the Dr. Noble Irwin Health Care Foundation or the Shriners Hospitals for Children would be greatly appreciated by the family. Warren's Funeral Home in care of arrangements for further information please call 306-773-8831 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family n our memory wall.

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