Obituary of Willard John Smith
Willard John Smith
(August 5, 1935 - January 20, 2019)
Willard John Smith was born on August 5, 1935 to George and Louise Smith. He passed away at the age of 83 on January 20, 2019.
On November 23, 1960 he married Patricia Tarnowski of Heisler. They lived at Red Willow until 1962 at which time they took over the Tarnowski family farm. Nine children were born to this family. Willard and Patsy operated a grain and mixed animal farm which he called home until his passing.
He had a love for farming and gardening. The front door was always open and Willard was always there for family and friends. Willard was a skilled mechanic, carpenter and jack of all trades and was there to lend a hand to whoever needed it.
Willard was predeceased by his mother and father Louise and George Smith; his infant sister Caroline; brothers Jimmy, Donald and Maurice; and Patsy’s parents Alex and Alvina Tarnowski.
He is survived by his wife Patricia; nine children Winston, Timothy (Holly), Kelly Sjostrom (Shawn), Theodore, Michael, Susan Smith (Joel), Beverly Smith (Remington), Richard (Nora), and Robert; two brothers Lyle (Joan) Smith, Lorne (Mary) Smith and sister Aleta (Charlie) Cassidy; sixteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Donations are gratefully accepted to the Daysland Hospital, STARS Air Ambulance, or to Sedgewick homecare.
Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, staff, homecare nurses and emergency service personnel for the excellent care and attention to Dad and all the family during our difficult time. A special thank you to Robert for staying home and caring for Dad as his illness progressed.
A Prayer Vigil was held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 24, 2019 from St. Martin's Roman Catholic Church, Heisler.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 25, 2019 from the St. Martin's Roman Catholic Church, Heisler with Rev. Carlos Nunez as celebrant. Interment has taken place in the St. Martin's Roman Catholic Church Cemetery.