Stephen David Smith

Steve was born in Nottingham, England just before WWII broke out. He was the only child of Edna Smith (nee Raven) and Stephen Smith, both deceased.

Steve is survived by his loving, common-law wife of forty-four years, Marlene, and two of his dogs, Siena, and Sarsi, and two cats, Bedwell and Bute. He was predeceased by several dogs and cats, including two of his favourite dogs, Nootka, and Tzela. He also leaves behind to mourn his family in-law; Liesbeth Schalkwijk & John Pockett,  (Adelaide Austr.), Hans Schalkwijk, (Holland), Bart, Stijn and Mees Schalkwijk, (Holland), Monique Pockett, Anton Zytnik, Tayte and Felix (Berlin Germany), Lachlan and Emil Pockett (Portland, Oregon), Jan Schalkwijk and Kizzy Raphael , Nicholas and Finagan  (Portland, Oregon).  And all his extended family, in friends and neighbours who have been such a good support throughout his life and illness.

Steve had a passion for people, especially youth, and translated that into becoming a certified youth leader. He also loved biking, hiking, climbing (rock and ice), skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. A love he shared with Marlene in the many rock climbing, ski, and other outdoor adventures.

Immigrating to Canada in 1977, he initially worked for Strathcona Park Lodge, which became his second home. Later, he worked for Probation Services in Golden, B.C., pioneering a Corrections Outdoor Youth Program, “Project Adamant.” Steve moved back to Vancouver Island in 1982 and worked for The Boys and Girls Club out of Victoria and the John Howard Society in Campbell River. Steve had a firm believe that using the wilderness, including solos (vision quests), was an excellent way for youth and adults to find themselves and build a life based on compassion and purpose.

Steve was one of the co-founders of The Friends of Strathcona and spent months on the Strathcona Blockade when the government decided to open up the park for mining and logging. His strong believe in education lead to the creation of the Strathcona Wilderness Institute (SWI). In cooperation with BC Parks and the Mount Washington Ski Resort the SWI Parks Information Center was created, and it stands at the trailhead of the Paradise Meadows trail system, next to the Nordic Lodge.

Steve loved music. His smile and welcoming nature invited others to join him in song and led to him having a large circle of friends and playing in several bands over many decades.

Most importantly, Steve loved his life with his wife, Marlene, and with their dogs and cats on their five-acre home in Merville for the past thirty-seven years.

Unfortunately, Steve was affected by Lewy Body Dementia in the last years of his life, which impacted his brain and memory, and his entire body. We are grateful for the care he received at The Views for the last eleven months. A special thanks for the excellent care by the nurses and doctors at the Emergency Department and on Floor 3A at the Comox Valley Hospital during the last week of his life.

Steve, you were the best partner, mentor and teacher and I will miss you for the rest of my life. Your presence made this world a better place.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to SWI (Strathcona Wilderness Institute), to honour Steve and to provide ongoing funding to help educate others about the value of nature and Strathcona Park wilderness.