1915-2011
It is with great respect and sadness that the family of Harold (Boyce) Smythe announce his passing at the Central Care Home in Victoria, BC on January 6, 2011. Harold is survived by his two sisters Peggy Hart and Geraldine Johnson. Boyce leaves behind his caring and loving wife of 63 years Margaret (Peggy) Smythe; four wonderful children, Peggy Bordeleau (Stephane), Maureen Askey, Colin Smythe (Lorraine) and Larry Smythe (Chantal). Harold was fond of all his fabulous grandchildren Chris, J.P., Angela, Shone, Donyne, Cory, Tyler and Loralee and four great grandchildren Skyla, Colton, Hayley and Royce. Harold served in WWII with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and later with the U.N. Peacekeeping Force. He shared the Nobel Peach Prize and was recipient of the Peacekeeper’s Medal for his service in Egypt. His qualities as a man, husband and father made him special to all who came to know him. Harold was a real role model and a gentleman in every way. He will be missed by all.
A funeral service will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH, 851 Old Esquimalt Road, on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 10:30 am. Burial to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park. The family would like to pass on their heart filled thanks to the staff at Central Care Home, especially the second floor caregivers. Also to Pastor Glen and Peter Jones for their spiritual visits. Thanks also to Cora and son Jerry Harris of the Legion for their faithful weekly visits. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice in Harold’s name is appreciated.
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Tom Burdge
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Nan & Jay Dagan It is with great sadness that we write this message of condolence to all of Boyce’s family. He was a wonderful person who had such love for his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. We send our love to all. Jay and Nan
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Randy and Susie Blaney My family met the Smythe family in the mid 1950’s and I became friends with Colin, through that relationship I got to know Mr. Smythe, he was a quite man with a great smile and used to tell us stories about locations he was posted. This story I still tell family and friends, about him being in Egypt and having to turn your boots upside down when they were off and then shaking them out to make sure there were no Scorpions in them.
The picture in the paper was perfect.
I wanted to be there in person but could not make it, my thoughts are with you Mrs. Smythe, Peggy, Maureen, Larry and my old friend Colin (email me if you wish)
Randy Blaney
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Randy and Susie Blaney My family met the Smythe family in Calgary in the mid 1950’s and I made friends with Colin and through that relationship I got to know his father Mr. Smythe. He was a quit man with a great smile and told us stories of the various places he was stationed….one of those stories I still tell family and friends….about being in Egypt and having to keep your boots upside down when they were removed and shaking them out to ensure there were no Scorpions in them before putting them back on. The picture was perfect. I wanted to be there in person my thoughts are with you Mrs Smyhe, Peggy, Maureen, Larry and my very old put estranged friend Colin (email me if you wish).
Randy Blaney
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George Eelsie Mayhew [hopwood] We know Boyce will be dearly missed I have fond memories of all the fun and good time;s we all enjoyed at the Avenue rink Our deepest sympathy to all of the family
George and Elsie
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Michael Dobal I had the great honor of meeting Mr. Smythe in April of 2010. He was a quiet, unassuming man for someone who lived his life to the fullness that he had. But, that was apparently typical of the man that has been described to me as a devout Christian, devoted husband and father, respected coach, loyal soldier and much more. To me he was simply a gentleman in a world sorely lacking in the type of values that he held dear. If I may paraphrase a prestigious colleague of mine, whose highest praise for an individual he respected seems appropriately understated for the occasion and the man: He was a fine human being.
God bless you and your family, Mr. Smythe.
Michael Dobal
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Philip Campbell and Family We are deeply saddened by your loss but know that Uncle Boyce is at peace in the arms of the Lord. His smiling face will be always remembered.
Aunt Peggy, our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.
May the Lord give you all strength and peace at this difficult time.
Love and God Bless
Philip, Heather, Anthony and Sean
Campbell
I had the privilege of first meeting Harold at Central Care in the 1990’s, and enjoyed listening to his stories as one Veteran to another. Harold never ceased to amaze me with his unfailing good humour, and he was a truly Gentle, Gentleman. We will miss his contagious smile, and extend our deepest sympathy to Peggy and all the family.
Sincerely, and with our love,
Kathy & Tom Burdge (ex-bus driver !)