It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Hugo Smecher, our Dad, Grandfather, Nonno who passed away peacefully, surrounded by family March 14th in the Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
Hugo was born June 3, 1931 in Trail, BC. He was educated at Royal Roads in Victoria, before moving to Yellowknife NWT. There he met Doreen Pierce, they married and started their family. In 1957 they moved to Edmonton where Hugo finished his post secondary education in Teaching and 1972 brought a move to Castlegar where Hugo took a job as principal of the Rossland High School.
Hugo was predeceased by his parents, Alex and Mina, and in 2019 his wife, Doreen. He is survived by his three children: son Curt (Heather), and two daughters Bonnie (Alstan) Horswill, and Lynn (Keith) Ujvary, 7 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren.
We've lost a gentle soul whose positive outlook was deep in his DNA and a true gentleman who among other things loved to fish. He loved to teach his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids how to think like a fish. In Lakes big or small, river fishing for trout, fly fishing in his belly boat, but his favorite was creek fishing with a bunch of little kids, with a frying pan and fresh buns at the ready.
Hugo talked often and fondly of his time in the schools. He was a teacher first and loved bumping into his former students wherever he went.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ko, Dr. Sayeh, Dr. Williams, Dr. Neitzel, Dr. Su And Dr. Ankenbouer for their kindness, compassion and care. The care and professionalism by these excellent Doctors is unmatched anywhere.
A Catholic service will be held at St. Rita's church in Castlegar with a short reception to follow at a later date.
Rest in Peace Dad.
Castlegar Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.
Castlegar Funeral Chapel