The University of Alberta banner is flying at half-mast in remembrance of Lloyd Stewart Smith, Continuing Education Student in the Faculty of Education.
It is with great sadness that the family of Lloyd Smith announce his tragic passing on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 in a workplace accident in his role as Director of Recreational Services for the City of Fernie.
Lloyd was born on October 26, 1964, the youngest child of Arnold and Jean Smith of High River. While his roots remained in High River, Lloyd was a true adventurer, always striving to move, grow and explore. Living in a variety of communities across Alberta and B.C. including Port Hardy, Fort Nelson, Canmore, Cochrane, Okotoks and Fernie, Lloyd had a zest for life and a desire for personal growth. Lloyd was a Life Guard, Pool and Arena Manager, and even owned a Pizza shop for a short time. For over 20 years, Lloyd was proud to work as a paramedic with the B.C. Ambulance service in Fort Nelson, Golden, Fernie, and other locales.
Lloyd valued education. He was recognized as a Certified Energy Manager from the Association of Engineers, a 5th class Power Engineer (Alberta Government/SAIT), and a Certified Journeyman in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration. He carried a Certification in Contract Management from Mount Royal University. His breadth of knowledge across these areas eventually led him to complete his MBA at Royal Roads University in Victoria, and into the role he played in Fernie as Director of Recreation Services, all the while continuing his work as a paramedic. Lloyd also developed and delivered training programs for the Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel, and was the organization’s president-elect.
Lloyd loved adventure — over the years his hobbies included hiking, flying, sky diving, scuba diving, adventure racing and triathlons including completion of Ironman Canada twice. But the greatest passion of his life was embarking on the adventure of fatherhood. Evan was born in 2004 and, together, they continued with many of Lloyd’s interests, and developed even more such as hockey, golf, kayaking, fishing and skiing. They were looking forward to many more adventures together such as fishing on the Great Slave Lake, hiking the West Coast Trail, completing the Triple Crown Challenge in Waterton and finally finding the Lost Lemon Mine.
Lloyd is survived by his son Evan Parachoniak and Evan’s mother Sandra of Campbell River, B.C.; his sisters Ann (Ron) McIntosh and Karen Smith-Myles (Charlie Myles). Nephews and nieces Rob, Daniel, Heather (Warren), Shannon, Justin and Garrett will forever miss his quiet demeanor and epic storytelling.
Originally published, with photo, by Cherished Memories Funeral Services LTD.Cherished Memories Funeral Services LTD.