Smart, Walton William
March 10, 1923 - October 1, 2010
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Walt. He was much loved and will be greatly missed. Walt’s request was that we all rejoice and give thanks for the wonderful life he had.
He was born in Coalmont and grew up in a loving home with his sister Barbara. In 1942 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and became a pilot. He served as an advance flying instructor in England until the end of the war.
After the war, Walt studied sociology at UBC for 3 years. He planned to take a year off, make some money and keep his car. However, while working in the office at Copper Mountain, he met the love of his life, Astrid (Terry) Lambert. They spent the first year of married life at Copper Mountain before buying the “Coalmont Emporium” in 1951. Walt and Terry operated the store for 26 years, raised 5 children and ran an eatery on the beach in Tulameen during the summer months. Once the kids were all in school, Walt worked for the Department of Highways while Terry manned the store. After selling the store, Walt and Terry retreated to their acreage on the Tulameen River, “Sanctum.”
Walt was an avid hiker, fisherman, hunter and storyteller. He had many wonderful trips in the hills and valleys around Coalmont, Tulameen and Princeton, as well as other parts of BC. Duck hunting trips to Manitoba were a favourite. He also enjoyed flying trips with friends across Canada, north to the Arctic Circle and into the States. He leaves behind many signs, including a couple at the entrance to the village of Coalmont.
Walt loved his family deeply and made many friends. In his words, “LOVE is the answer to life on this planet.”
Walt is predeceased by his wife Astrid (Terry).
He is survived by his companion Donna Currie, Walt and Terry’s five children; Jim Smart (Diane), Bill Smart, Eric Smart (Gail), Bob Smart and Judi Esdale.
Nine grandchildren; Kathy Smart (Curtis Ford), Thoran Smart, Kaili Smart (Peter Bakker), Lynn Smart (Ryan), Cullen Smart, Evan Esdale (Stevi Weissbach), Gary Smart, Janine Esdale and Fraser Esdale. Great grandchildren; Maddison Smart-Ford and Coen Bakker.
~ No service by request ~