SMITH, Robert
1969 – 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Robert ‘Rob’ Leroy Smith on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at the age of 55 years. He spent his last day surrounded by the beauty of the land, nature, and the wilderness, ending it with a good bonfire, true Rob style. Rob was born in Sussex, New Brunswick, and raised in Sussex and the surrounding area. His childhood out east shaped him into the tough, competitive, and matter-of-fact man we all grew to love. Looking to build a better life for himself, he made the bold decision to hitchhike to Alberta in 1994, in search of new opportunities. Alberta would become his forever home. Shortly thereafter, he met his wife, Michelle. Together, they embarked on many adventures and trips out west, often accompanied by close friends – memories he cherished and loved to reminisce about. He and Michelle eventually settled on their acreage in Red Deer County, where they built a life together and raised their two sons. Although humble, Rob was incredibly proud of his family and the life he had established for them. Rob spent twenty-five years working on drilling rigs before deciding he was tired of chasing rigs and wanted a life that allowed him to be home every night with his wife and boys. He was working toward new endeavors and, in the meantime, took a job with the Maintenance Department at Trochu Meats. A natural problem solver, Rob was largely self-taught. He could fix just about anything, always completing tasks fully, to the best of his ability, and without shortcuts. Whether in his career or on the acreage, he approached every job with dedication and hard work. He applied his remarkable ability to tinker, troubleshoot, and problem solve – always striving to ensure things were done right. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and left an impression everywhere he went. Though Red Deer was home, the west country was his sanctuary, “his reset”. He was passionate about hunting, fishing, camping, quadding, and simply being surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness and land. He loved his animals and was often caught talking to them more than to people. There was never a time when Rob didn’t have a dog (or five) by his side. Loyal, practical, and trustworthy, he remained true to himself while also growing and adapting to the adventures his family dragged him on, even if they weren’t always “his thing.” He cherished the memories he made, the adventures he embarked on, and the time he spent with friends and family, especially around a good bonfire. Rob was proud of his sons and spoke often of their accomplishments and the men that they were becoming. He was looking forward to spending more time with his boys in the great outdoors and new adventures with his wife by his side. He lived for his family and always hoped to one day have his cabin in the woods. Rob will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Michelle; his sons, Hunter and Chase; his mother, Barb Smith; his mother-in-law, Laurie Kaban; his father-in-law, Nick Kaban; his brother, Andy Smith (Tammy Smith); his sister-in-law, Anessa Klessens (Collin Klessens); his niece, Jenna Smith; and his nephews, Kyle Smith and Declan Klessens; as well as many extended family members and countless close friends, who were like brothers and sisters to him, and, of course, his beloved dogs. Robert was predeceased by his father, Theodore Smith. Rob has left an everlasting mark on us all. He brought laughter, love, joy, adventure, and unforgettable memories into our lives. We will forever miss you. A Celebration of Robert’s Life will be held at the Pine Lake Hub Community Centre, 20, 36366 Range Road 252, Red Deer County, Alberta (NE 22-036-25-W4) on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2025-03-06
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com