Archie Smith, of 170 Front St., Emo, Ont., passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 at the Emo Health Centre in Emo.
He was born March 24, 1918 in Harrowby, Man. to the late Joel and Margaret Smith.
Archie was a hard-working individual who had several jobs throughout Rainy River District. He started out working in the bush cutting wood and performing manual labour for J.A. Mathieu.
He then purchased his own truck that was used to haul logs (loaded by hand) and gravel for road building.
In the late 1950s, Archie moved to Atikokan, Ont. to work at the Caland Ore Company during the construction of the mine and then relocated to Marathon, Ont., where he was employed by the Department of Highways.
Later in life, Archie headed to Winnipeg, Man., where he spent several years working at an auction house. He then returned to Fort Frances, Ont. and lived in the family home with his widowed mother.
He spent many happy hours in his garden, and looking after his wild roses and hollyhocks. He made daily walks downtown regardless of the weather and often was spotted on his bike throughout the west end of the district, often riding as far as Emo.
As his health began to fail, Archie required hospitalization in 2008. After a short stay at Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc., he moved to the long-term care facility in Emo, where the staff truly became his extended family.
He was proud to tell anyone that he had “never had a bad meal” at his new home, and constantly entertained staff and residents with many wonderful stories about the people and historical events throughout the district.
Archie will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Pastor Marcel Chenier officiated, with interment in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
Visitation was held Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010 from 7-9 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
The pallbearers were Warren Williams, Ernie Ling, Paul Stewart, Dave Turcotte, Cole Turcotte, Dave Robar, and Ted Stewart.
The honourary pallbearers were his relatives and friends.
Should friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Emo Health Care—Long-Term Care, P.O. Box 390, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0 or to the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com