It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of John Wilbur Smyth, who passed away surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

He leaves to mourn his loving children Diana (Jim) Watt and Randy (Lauren) Smyth; grandchildren Jason (Teri), Brad (Heather Parsons) and Tyler Watt (Kelsey Popien), Sean (Candice) and Kyle (Ashley) Rowan, Trevor (Malaika), Taylor (Machelle) Smyth, Richie (Taryn) and Rhett (Kaity) Walker; great-grandchildren Ashton and Easton Watt, Sophie Watt, Bridget Watt, Hendricks, Louella, and Jones Rowan, Tiernan and Finn Rowan, Audrey and Bennett Smyth, Titus and Isabella Smyth, Briggs Walker, Sutton and Watson Walker; and his brother Ray (Alexis) Smyth, sister in law Jean Smyth, and good friend Josephine.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Marion in 2014, brothers Ross and Kent Smyth and sister Yvonne Breakey.

John was born on the family farm at Oak River, Manitoba, to Gordon and Alice Smyth, and was the second of four children. After leaving the farm and meeting Marion, they worked at Smyth's Grill in Rivers. They eventually settled at a farm near Oakner while he ran his barber shop in the nearby town of Hamiota. Years later an opportunity for John to work as a barber for the provincial government took Marion and their family to Brandon where they spent the rest of their lives.

John and Marion loved to camp and travelled extensively, both with their children, as well as with close friends upon retirement. In particular, John had a love for his RVs and could be seen spending countless hours cleaning and maintaining his vehicles. Father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, John will be terribly missed and remembered as a strong willed and focused person.

The family would like to thank all those who provided health care for John this past year.

John will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at Rosewood Memorial Gardens.