With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of William George Smith of Calgary, on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the age of 72 years.

William was born on November 11, 1950, in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. He was born at 11:30 AM, at home, his mom had said she didn't feel well enough to attend the Remembrance Day Parade. He was 11 lbs. 6 oz. Willie grew up and went to school in Kirkland Lake. Hockey, hunting, fishing, a love of the outdoors, and lifelong friendships came from his formative years there. A significant highlight after he completed high school was his trip to Europe. The memories of people and places from that experience stayed fresh in his mind for the rest of his life. When he came back from Europe, Willie moved to Lynn Lake, Manitoba.

He worked in warehousing and the Sharrett Gordon mine. From there he decided to head out west to visit his sister and brother-in-law who lived in Calgary. While working at a warehousing job in Calgary, Willie noticed an ad in the newspaper for the Calgary City Police Department. Intrigued, he applied, passed the testing, went into training, and graduated as Constable W. Smith.

Willie married hometown sweetheart, Marilyn McDougall.  Their daughter Kara Lynne Smith was born in Calgary. For reasons long forgotten, Willie and Marilyn divorced. Marilyn and Kara moved back to Ontario. Willie savoured his annual summer trips to spend time with Kara. On July 9, 1984, during Stampede week Willie met Nancy Hughes at the Cuff and Billy. She became his second wife on July 21, 1990.

Willie retired from Calgary Police Service in 2001, having served 25 years.  He was very proud to have been a Calgary Police officer and his family was proud of his service. Willie's retirement years offered him the freedom to enjoy a few different jobs. He worked with WestJet, Alberta Sheriffs, Royal Oak Nissan, and Northland Volkswagen.  He was also an integral part of his wife, Nancy's business, Hughes Fine Art. Willie loved trains, had a passion for golf, loved travelling, and especially loved his family.

He leaves behind his wife Nancy-lynne Hughes-Smith; daughter Kara Lynn Bailey, (Emmett Bailey); stepson Steaphen James Cleary; stepdaughters, Alison Kennedy (Shaun Kennedy), and Tarra Lynne Serrevalle; grandchildren, Isla, Reagan, Jack, Carissa, and Leslie Cleary; and great-grandson, Burak Ozbingol. He is also survived by his sister Carol Duros of Quebec; brother Mike Smith of the USA; and many friends, coworkers, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 238 (138 Bowness Centre NW), Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.