Mervin Kenneth Smith

Mervin Kenneth Smith, of Nanaimo, formerly of Williams Lake, B.C., passed away on February 13, 2024 at the age of 93. He was born to parents Colin Smith and Martha Petzold Smith, on May 23, 1930, in Mount Forest, Ontario. 

Mervin began a railroad career in 1947 for the CPR in Port Coquitlam, BC, and on May 6, 1969, moved to the PGE (later known as British Columbia Railway) as a locomotive engineer. He transferred to Fort St. John and worked on the work train when the line was being extended to Fort Nelson. In 1971 he transferred to Williams Lake, then to North Vancouver in 1984 where he retired January, 1990.

Steam engine locomotives held a particular fascination for Mervin from his early days of wiping in the shops to getting set up as a fireman with the CPR, and later as an engineer. The Steam Excursion that was organized in 1988 was a highlight of his life, being engineer from North Vancouver up the line to Prince George and onward.

During his younger days in Port Coquitlam he bought a small house and learned by trial and error how to renovate it. Encouraged by what he learned he bought the lot across the road and built a house, followed by one more in Port Coquitlam. Years later, he built a final house on the lakefront property on Horsefly Lake he bought in 1974. It still stands today and is used and enjoyed by family and friends every summer. Mervin enjoyed seeing his children and their friends having all the fun that sun and water provides. He also enjoyed the campfires and an evening of cards. He would enjoy a brew or a wee dram or two as well.

He leaves wonderful memories that will always be cherished by his loving wife, Aleta Dinwoodie, whom he married in1958, his sons, Colin (Ann) and Lincoln (Patsy) and daughter, Dalry (Stephen) Payne. Grandchildren who will always remember him as "Papa," Sheri (Emory) Stansal, Wendy Tranq, Connor (Payton) Dean, Brody (Tiffani) Smith, Taylor (Mimi) Smith, Christine (Derrick) Genest. Great-grandchildren will remember him as "Papa Bear." They are Adelynn and Myer Smith, Jack and Logan Genest, Matilda and Julien Smith, and Rian, Paige and Ewan Stansal. Mervin was predeceased by a very special grandson, Austin Smith, in 1998. 

A Celebration of Life for Mervin is planned for June 1st, 2024, at 2 pm. at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, Kamloops, BC.