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December 11, 1919 to December 29, 2015

Family members are sad to announce the passing of Frank Smirfitt who recently celebrated his 96th birthday.

He was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, moving to Vancouver in 1921 where he grew up with brothers Bob and Ted. Frank passed peacefully with his wife, Win, and eldest daughter, Diana, by his side.

Frank and Win celebrated 71 years of marriage on September 2nd. Up until his last days he was sharing those humourous anecdotes for which he was so well known. Frank took on challenges whole-heartedly and loved to share his knowledge of a life well-lived through story telling; holidays at the cabin at Dempsey Lake, Tai Chi moves for Quadra seniors, building bridges (Canron) throughout BC, Indian motorcycles with the BC Dragoons during World War II, hitting the bull’s eye on numerous archery targets, perfecting the art of making Rue de la Barb wine, serenading Win, letting off fireworks “by the boatload” or doing handstands at Hopkins Landing. He will be missed by all his family including Diana (Jim) Ludgate, Sandra (John) Page, Christine (Ken) Schmidt, Peter (Lea) Smirfitt, and Sue Smirfitt along with 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Frank would chuckle to know that at his passing, a storm was roaring through Yorkshire, aptly named by the weather office as “Frank”.

The family would like to thank the doctors and health care team from Vancouver Island Health Authority and the Berwick staff who treated Dad so sensitively, the Berwick “girls” who treated him like “Dad”, and the many friends who provided care, help and support to Dad and Mum.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.



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