Ian Craig Smith

On July 9, 2026, Ian Craig Smith passed away peacefully at home after a courageous, years-long battle with liver cancer. In keeping with his wishes, Ian chose Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), allowing him to choose the timing and circumstances of his passing.

Ian's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many healthcare professionals who supported him throughout his journey. Special thanks go to his compassionate family physician, Dr. Dirk Breugem; the exceptional team at the Salmon Arm Cancer Centre, led by Dr. Christopher Main; and, most importantly, the wonderful nursing staff who cared for him with such kindness. The palliative care nurses, Erica and Jennifer, along with the MAID team who provided care in his home, gave Ian the dignity, compassion, and support to ease his suffering in familiar surroundings. Throughout months of chemotherapy, he stubbornly held onto his favourite motto: "As long as I can keep hitting golf balls, then life is worth living."

Ian was born on June 25, 1955, at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, British Columbia, to Walter and Della Smith. Losing his father at just nine years old in 1963 was a defining struggle of Ian’s youth, a hardship that shaped his quiet strength and independent spirit as he grew up with the loving support of his mother, Della.

His youth was defined by a love of the outdoors, especially skiing at Tod Mountain (now Sun Peaks). The mountain held such a special place in his heart that, years later, he named his youngest son, Todd, after it. He proudly embraced life as a self-described "ski bum," spending countless days on the Burfield chairlift. After graduating from Kamloops Senior Secondary School in June 1973, Ian worked a variety of rugged jobs, including fighting forest fires and working for BC Hydro.

In 1978, Ian turned his passion for automobiles into a lifelong career by completing an automotive mechanics pre-apprenticeship program at Cariboo College in Kamloops. His training led him to Calgary, Alberta, where he earned his Red Seal Automotive Mechanic certification on July 15, 1983.

While in Calgary, Ian met the love of his life, Linda May Gross. They were married in Vanderhoof, British Columbia, on July 26, 1985. After living in Kamloops, they settled in Salmon Arm in 1993. Over the next decade, Ian put his mechanical skills to work at Fountain Tire, Arno's European Auto Repair, A.G.C. Machine Shop, and Portside Houseboat Rentals.

Never one to stop learning or adapting, Ian returned to school at Okanagan University College, earning his Automotive Service Advisor certificate in August 2005. His new qualifications led to a move to Castlegar, where he worked for Kalawsky GM. Following a serious health scare and a diagnosis of diabetes, Ian transitioned from the service bay to customer service and retail, working for Zellers, Save-On-Foods, and later serving as a manager at Great Canadian Oil Change.

An avid outdoorsman, Ian loved fishing, four-wheel driving, camping, golfing, and spending time in nature. Those passions eventually led him to one of his favourite jobs as the live-in caretaker at Mara Provincial Park near Sicamous, where his beloved Golden Retriever, Honey, spent endless hours happily swimming in the lake.

Ian took immense pride in a job well done, believed deeply in hard work, but above all, he was most proud of being a father. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Linda; his sons, Matt Smith (Rachelle) and Todd Smith (Meghan Allan); his siblings, Patricia Ratzlaff, Jim Smith (Janet), and Heather Shaw (Tim); as well as many extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Dave Smith, and by his parents, Walter and Della.

Those who knew Ian knew they could always count on his practical advice, a story told with a grin, and his willingness to lend a hand.

Whether fixing an engine, casting a fishing line, or hitting golf balls, he found joy in simple moments shared with family and friends.

Ian faced life with determination, a firm handshake, a stubborn streak, and a desire for a good time. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.