Mr. John Smaha passed away at Salmon Arm Hospital on Wednesday, December 25, 2002, at 96 years of age. He will be lovingly remembered by wife Anna of Enderby; two sons Myron (Frances) and Eli all of Smithers; one daughter Kathy Iselmoe of Prince George; grandchildren Lorelei (Ryan), Shari (Brent) and Karrie; great-grandchildren Rylan, Lauren and Ali. Predeceased by parents, brothers Paul and Mike, sisters Anne and Mary.
Born in the Ukraine on October 3, 1906, he came to Canada in 1924. He worked in the mine at Bienfiet, Saskatchewan until moving to the Grindrod area in 1928. He worked for his uncle Daniel Smaha on Stepney, and also worked in the orchards. In 1938, John worked for the CPR, bought the Bush farm in Grindrod and married Anna Malowany. They cleared the land, built their home and lived there until moving to Enderby in 1981 when John retired. He belonged to the Catholic Church and Farmers Institute, enjoyed gardening, cribbage, and meeting people.
Prayers were held Sunday, December 29, 2002, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, December 30, 2002, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Enderby. Father Leo Boyd, OMI, officiated. Interment in family plot of the Cliffside Cemetery, Enderby. Donations in memory of John may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.