It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Hazen Myrlin Smart at the age of 86.On December 16, 2019 in Kelowna Hospital, Hazen Smart passed away with his loving son and daughter Tim and Carolyn by his side.

Hazen was born on June 13, 1933 in Charleston, Carleton Co. in the province of New Brunswick. He spent his young years in and around the area of Woodstock, N.B., Saint George, N.B., and Hartland, N.B. Childhood memories consisted of helping out his grandparents (McLean’s) on the farm, collecting tree sap for chewing gum, hunting rabbit on snow skies freehand with a 22 on the fly, and managing trap-lines for his Uncles as a young man. Fishing the East coast waters of the Atlantic and The Bay of Fundy always brought fond memories back to him (We never saw dad swim so we can hardly believe he loved being on the Atlantic fishing boats).

Hazen was a Jack-of-all-trades using his great skill and intuitive mind to accomplish work that was above standard no matter the challenge. He could put his hand to any task, big or small. He became a Millwright by trade in the ’70’s.Also Welder and Machinist. In the 1980’s he became Log Scaler/Yard Foreman of Canfor in Chetwynd, B.C.

He met and married his loving wife, Laura Smart (nee St. Jean of Big River, Sask.) in Saint John, New Brunswick in April of 1952, joined by a small number of family and friends. The wedding meal was bacon and beans! Dad and Mom moved out West to Cranbrook, B.C. thereafter. Dad never let the grass grow under his feet…moving periodically every few years, living in places such as far away as Newfoundland and small communities within B.C. such as the East and West Kootenays, Peace River, Cariboo areas, and finally the Okanagan for the past 19 years.

Hazen was the most kindhearted man full of love for all. Family fondly remembers the special visits that Hazen and Laura made on their yearly “circuit” to see them all. His nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren being the “apple of his eye”. He also had a great love for his Heavenly Father, Jehovah whom he dedicated his life to serving and was baptized on September 6, 1952. He enjoyed many privileges serving in various congregations and also loved helping others while he was part of the Hospital Visitation Committee in Vernon. He wanted all to know about the wonderful promises our Creator has in store for mankind as well as the hope of a Kingdom government which will soon rule worldwide that will bring about the end of sickness and death. (Rev 21:3,4; Matt. 24:14; Dan. 2:44).

Hazen was predeceased by his mother, Alice McAllister (nee McLean); father, Nolan Smart; son, Daniel Smart. He is survived by his dear wife of over 67 years, Laura; sons Tim (Janice) Smart of Vernon; Lindsay Smart of Rocky Mt. House, AB; daughter, Carolyn (Floyd) Haynes of Kamloops, B.C.; daughter-in-law, Heather Smart of Cranbrook, B.C.; sister Bonnie (Don) Oakley of Boston, Massachusetts, USA; half-sisters, Zena and Laura of the USA. Along with many cousins, nephews and nieces, grandchildren and their mates, and great-grandchildren.

Dad was a great story-teller with many a memory to trucking, hunting expeditions, building projects, as well as secular work. Never could he get through a single story without a twinkle in his eyes or a quiver to his lips and chin, and a wipe to the tears in the corner of his eyes with a hankie from his pants pocket. He always took great care with people and cherished many good and solid friendships over the years; always making people feel at home and comfortable. We’ll always remember how he could find humor in any situation. That humor has been passed on through the family lines.

A big thank you to family and friends, and the members of the Coldstream Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Vernon for all their sincere love and support, especially during the last while when age and ailments were catching up to him. Cremation by choice with no service. If so inclined, a donation to the Worldwide Bible & Tract Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses would be appreciated by our dear father. Donations can be made through JW.org.

  

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vernon Funeral Home, Phone: 250 542 0155

Condolences may be offered at www.vernonfuneralhome.com