LARRY RAEBURN “RAE” SMITH February 7, 1930 – July 15, 2019

LARRY RAEBURN “RAE” SMITH
February 7, 1930 – July 15, 2019
On Monday, July 15, 2019, Larry Raeburn “Rae” Smith passed away in his sleep in his 90th year at the Drumheller hospital. Born in Harwich Township, Kent County, Ontario on February 7, 1930, Rae was the son of the late Iris Grace (Bicum) and Samuel Roy Smith and brother to the late Jean Cowley. He was the loving husband of Virginia (nee Paling) for over 69 years and cherished father of 6 children; Susan (James) Enos of Hanna, Alberta; Roy (Katherine) Smith of Drumheller, Alberta; Luanne (Keven) St. Michael of Espanola, Ontario; Peggy (Ron) Preston of Brooks, Alberta; Edward Smith of Sylvan Lake, Alberta; Ruthann (James) Page of Drumheller, Alberta. Dear Papa of 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Marrying Virginia Ruth Paling on February 18, 1950, Rae farmed as well as operated the family sawmill. During this time they welcomed five children. In 1970 they decided to make Manitoulin Island, Ontario their home. A year later they welcomed their 6th child. Rae was a self-taught man, a skilled carpenter, a jack of all trades! Rae started his own business “Mountainside Homes,” a 10-lot mobile home park, and later built a 55,000 square new and used store. In 2014 they moved west to Drumheller, Alberta to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Rae and Virginia especially enjoyed travelling to Arizona, spending the winters making many dear friends. His passion for John Deere and auctions became his pastime and getting together to play cards with his family. He combined his love of carpentry and people by making furniture for his family and friends in his shop. He was most known for his big heart, his jolly laugh, sense of humor, his powerful voice and his “Smith” finger, his never changing haircut that you wouldn’t dare try to mess up and most of all, his positive attitude and strong faith. A Memorial Service was held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 207 17th Street, N.W., Drumheller, Alberta on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 3 pm.