Donald Frank Smith

SMITH, Donald Frank

September 17, 1943 – December 31, 2025 (Age 82)

With heavy hearts, the family announces that Donald passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at the Glendarda Hospice in Saskatoon. Don was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, to parents Frank Parker Smith and Dorothy Elizabeth Smith (née Busse), originally from Liverpool, NS, and Gull Lake, SK, respectively.

Don’s early years were shaped by his father’s career with the Royal Bank, which required the family to relocate frequently. From 1942 to 1947, Don resided in Strasbourg, Saskatchewan, and later in Carrot River. In 1948, his family settled in Perdue, where he attended school through grade eight before finishing high school in Moose Jaw.

In 1962 Don began teaching following graduation from Saskatchewan Teachers’ College in Regina. Over a 36-year career, he earned multiple degrees and a postgraduate diploma, retiring in 1998 as Director of Education for Creighton School Division.

While attending the University of Saskatchewan in 1965, he also joined the Canadian Officers Training Corps and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Canadian Army Reserves, remaining in the Supplemental Reserve until 1975. He had been a faithful member of the Royal Canadian Legion since 1966.

Don spent most of his career in northern Saskatchewan and raised four children with his former wife, Rita Smith, in Flin Flon, Manitoba. He had a passion for fishing and treasured annual May long weekends at Jan Lake with his family. He once described spending time on the water as his closest experience to spirituality.

As an avid historian and researcher of ancestry, Don traced his own family’s lineages directly to the Mayflower (Society). His many trips to Nova Scotia reflected a lifelong devotion to connecting with a distant Smith family heritage rooted in Queens County’s South Shore. He could talk for hours about family, near and far. It gave him great pleasure to see his children and their families grow and thrive.

He moved to Saskatoon in 1995 and married his dearest, Leona Smith (Adamiak), in 1997. Retirement together enhanced their enjoyment of travelling, gardening, and spending time with loved ones. Sadly, Leona passed away in 2014. Don continued living independently in the marital home, surrounded by comforting memories, until shortly before his passing.

Don is survived by his children: Sean Smith (Barbara) and grandchildren Alexa and Stephen; Ivor Smith (Stephanie) and grandchildren Lindon and Gunnar; Jeannine Smith and grandchild Rowan; and Donna Smith. He is also survived by his four stepchildren: Michael Lulchak (Elizabeth); Greg Lulchak (Kim) and grandchildren Katie and William; Debbie Hampson (Blair) and grandchildren Bailey and Cassidy; and Dale Lulchak and granddaughter Amelia. He is also survived by his brother, Douglas Smith. Don was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Dorothy Smith; his wife, Leona Smith; and his sister-in-law, Margaret Smith.

The family thanks Dr. I. Dattani, the staff of Hospice at Glengarda, and the Royal University Hospital for their care and compassion for Don.

Cremation will be followed by a private family service at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion or Hospice at Glengarda via St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation in Saskatoon.