Obituary of Arlene Smith

It is with heavy hearts we annouce the passing of Arlene Smith (nee Hurford) on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 in Chetwynd, British Columbia at 81 years of age. Arlene grew up in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island and enjoyed many happy memories there. She loved being near the ocean and enjoyed seafood her whole life. Arlene and husband Don moved around Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland before moving to a farm in Giscome, BC in 1971. In 1980 they made the final move to the Chetwynd area where they farmed, operated Alpine Mountain Outfitters, and continued to raise children. Arlene was immensely proud of her husband, Donald Sr and all her children, foster children, and extended family. Everyone was welcome to their home for a meal, a visit, or a place to stay. Don and Arlene fostered many children and those in need. Arlene was very artistic. She was known for her decorated goose eggs, drawings, paintings, woodcarving, ceramics, and knitting. Any craft Arlene learned, she learned quickly and was a deft hand at many, many things. She was a tough farm girl who could do it all - run equipment, fence, garden, heal wounds, milk cows, and always, tend to her beloved birds. Arlene always had a bird or two; Cockatoos, African Greys, Peacocks, Emus, ducks, geese and rescued owls or injured wild birds of which she would rehabilitate and release. She also had a knack for spotting four-leaf clovers. Arlene is predeceased by her husband Don, son David, daughter Coral, granddaughter Diane, parents Elsie Dragoo and Harold Hurford, and brothers Tim and Gary. She is survived by her children: Monty, Suzan (Darcy), Donald Jr (Susan), Kelly (Anita), Dennis (Edith), Lyn (Wayne), Lee (Yvonne) and Jeff; sisters Robin (Mamoru) and Vicki, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is missed. With respect to Arlene's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Interment will take place at a later date. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Arlene to the Surerus Place, 5353 47 Avenue, Chetwynd, British Columbia, V0C 1J0. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium