1935 - 2014
With sadness we announce the passing of (Victor) Daniel Smithson on Monday, December 15, 2014 in Nelson, BC. After a brief illness, Dan passed away peacefully in the arms of his family at the age of 79.
Born April 6,1935 in Vancouver, BC, Dan was raised and educated there, spending his childhood entertaining people on the radio, streetcars, dude ranches and fishing boats with his accordion, which was often bigger than he was. Summers were spent with his parents and siblings on their boat which began his lifelong love of oceans, boating and fishing.
Dan graduated from UBC with a Commerce degree in 1959. He was a member of Delta Upsilon where he formed lifelong friendships. He met his wife Ann Godfrey through his frat brother Peter. Dan and Ann started their life together in Vancouver where they raised their three children.
Armed with his education, Dan prepared to take on the business world. His keen interest in commerce led to top positions in several major corporations. His career took him across the world to many countries, spurring many adventures. In 1975, Dan moved his young family to Auckland, New Zealand.
Leaving the pressures of the corporate world behind, he relocated from NZ to Nelson to run the family business, Godfrey’s Menswear. Finding it hard to slow down, he looked for new challenges, and became involved with many community endeavors. He was an Alderman and participated on many boards including Nelson Economic Development, KREDA, and the Nelson Golf Course. He enjoyed his years as Director and Chairman of BCAA and as a Director of the CAA. One of his most satisfying accomplishments was the founding of Pacific Insight Electronics as its first President and CEO. Dan was a very good listener. His integrity, honesty and sense of fairness were well suited for his next challenge when he was appointed to a position as a Justice of the Peace.
Dan was an accomplished musician, entertaining family and friends for many fun-filled events. He shared his love of the ocean with his family, spending many summers on the west coast of BC on the “Patrician”. He was an avid fisherman and some of his favourite memories were of expeditions with family and friends. Dan enjoyed golfing and was a fan of many sports, especially hockey. He cherished his involvement with the Nelson Gyro Club, enjoyed summers at the G&T, and the many gatherings with family, friends and curlers. In his later years, Dan loved a good historical book.
In retirement, Dan and Ann spent winters at their second home in Mesa, AZ where they enjoyed year-round golf, snow-free winters, family and friends. Dan and Ann to travelled the world, losing count at 43 countries. They particularly loved cruising, the highlight being the wonderful family cruise in 2014.
Dan was predeceased by his parents, Victor and Agnes Smithson. Dan leaves behind his loving wife Ann of 56 yrs, daughter Patti of Cloverdale, California, sons Brad (Bonnie) of Nelson and Bryan (Annette) of Creston, BC. He is survived by his sister Donna (Roy) of Whiterock, BC, brother Ken (Karen) of Kelowna, and sister Kathie (Shirley) of Saltspring Island, BC. Grandpa Smitty (the best grandfather in the world), will be missed by granddaughter Kayla Burns (Jake) of Santa Monica, CA, grandsons Cole Burns (Noele) of Healdsburg, CA, Allister Smithson of Nelson, BC and Jeremy Smithson of Calgary, AB.
Special thanks to Dr. Malpass, Dr. MacKay, nurses Cheryl, Annette and Kelly and the wonderful caring people on the third floor. They all took such good care of Dan. In lieu of flowers, donations to the KLDH Chemotherapy Ward, 3 View Street, Nelson V1L 2V1 would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.thompsonfs.ca