Obituary of Darcy Smith

SMITH - Darcy Horace: 1943 - 2024

Darcy Horace Smith of Swift Current Saskatchewan passed away October 5^th, 2024 at the age of 81.  He was born in Pontiex, Saskatchewan on February 8^th, 1943 to Albert “Ab” Louis Smith and Annette Emma (Bleau) Smith.  Darcy is predeceased by his parents, infant twin siblings Laurence and Lorraine and sister Deanna (Smith) Schafer.  Darcy is survived by his son Craig (Kendra) Smith (grandchildren Rhett and Lane), son, Jason Smith, son Bradley (Lesley) Smith (grandchildren Kalena and Kennan), and daughter Jennifer (Smith) Whittier (Chad) (grandson Joshua Straub). 

Darcy was raised on the ranch with his parents in the Reliance district near Mankota, Saskatchewan.  He attended the Reliance rural school and finished his grade 12 year in Mankota in 1962.  In his youth, Darcy was a member of the Aneroid 4-H club and was an avid softball player, playing for the Reliance Rockets softball team.

Darcy met the love of his life Loretta Melle in Regina through some friends.  They were engaged in May 1969 and were married in Estevan on November 7^th, 1970. After their marriage, they took over the ranch from Ab & Annette in 1975.  They welcomed Craig in 1971, followed by Jason in 1974, Brad in 1978, and Jennifer in 1981. 

Darcy loved to hunt, especially pheasants.  He was a lifetime member of the Saskatchewan Stockgrowers Association and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation.  Darcy was passionate about cattle and had an eye for picking out quality 4-H steers from his own herd for his kids to show. Darcy helped his kids with their 4-H calves and was involved with the Mankota 4-H Beef Club for many years. 

Darcy always made sure that his children were involved in any activities that they wished to be a part of, especially hockey, curling, and showing horses.  Darcy also coached softball ball for a time. In 1998, Darcy and Loretta made the decision to sell the ranch. After that, he worked for various ranchers around Mankota and then moved to Hodgeville in 1999.

In 2004, Darcy and Loretta bought a house in Swift Current.  Darcy worked at Wal Mart in the Tire & Lube Bay until retiring in 2016.  After retirement, Darcy took a lot of pride in his yard work.  Darcy and Loretta also enjoyed camping around Saskatchewan, especially in the Cypress Hills.

Darcy was a jokester, and a friend to all, and never met a stranger.  He always enjoyed a friendly conversation or a debate over politics and he was also an avid reader of history.  When Darcy would go shopping, it often took hours because he would usually run into a friend or two to visit with. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

Darcy’s celebration of life will be held at Parkside Funeral Home in Swift Current Saskatchewan at 69 4^th Ave NE, on October 15^th, 2024 at 2PM.  An internment will be held in Mankota at a later date.

Donations can be made to the 4-H Club in Aneroid or Mankota, SK in memory of Darcy. (Online Donations: https://www.4-h.sk.ca/donate.html) Email: emma.panter@4-h.sk.ca