  |
 |
 JANET LOIS HAMILTON SMITH 1918 – 2009 With Armistice Day and the end of World War I people around the globe were ecstatic. A month later there was more to rejoice about:the birth of Janet Lois Hamilton on December the 9th, 1918 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Lois began violin lessons when she was in grade five. During her high school years and beyond she was also involved in piano lessons, a few choirs, and played violin in the symphony. When war was declared Lois enlisted in 1942. Being part of the Canadian Air Force was life changing.She enjoyed the freedom of being on her own and she took full advantage of the social life. In 1943 Lois was posted as a wireless operator on Vancouver Island then the Queen Charlotte Islands. It was here that Lois met Christopher Lea Smith, who was in the Marine Section of the Air Force. In February, 1946, they were married. Chris wanted to go out west to live and when they saw ads purporting the virtues of Dawson Creek where everyone found good jobs it was a calling for them. Lois had an Air Force friend who was a teacher in Dawson Creek and he offered them his house. The rent was $35.00 a month and there was a piano thus an opportunity in 1949 that they could not pass up. When they reached Pouce Coupe it was a big mud hole but Lois loved it! In Dawson Creek they first stayed at the Dew Drop Inn. Jobs were found immediately – Chris worked for Wes Harper and Lois was hired at a ladies clothing store, Wade’s Style Shop. Chris was a bagpiper and Lois a highland dancer so soon their talents for teaching and playing were in high demand. In the mid 1950’s Chris and Lois, although inexperienced, decided to delve into the food business by operating the famous blue ‘Smittie’s Chip Mobile’. They heard many squeals of delight as children and adults rushed to purchase mouth watering French fry delicacies. Teens even saved their money to buy fries! They decided to open a restaurant called the Burger Barn, which was across the street from the Crest Theatre on 102nd Avenue then Smittie’s Drive-In on Alaska Ave. Lois was always pleasantly surprised in the last few years when she’d meet someone who could name the different burgers and would share their experiences of eating them! Lois and Chris’s family began in 1959 with their son Thomas Lea Smith and three years later Samuel Hamilton Smith. Purchasing land on Bear Mountain was a retreat from the work at Smittie’s Drive-In. In 1984, Chris and Lois bought a trailer and moved to their property. In 1979 Lois and Chris were thrilled to become grandparents with Danielle, Tyrel and Tannia followed by great grandchildren Tori Lea and Piper. Lois’s musical career continued to flourish. She became a member of the First United Church shortly after moving to Dawson Creek and she was always a proud parishioner but her special love was singing in the choir for over 50years! Twenty-seven of those were under the direction of Merrill Flewelling. Lois also played the violin with Mrs. Lopp’s Symphony for over twenty-five years. After 53 years of marriage Chris left this world. Lois chose to move into an apartment. Her view was perfect as she could still see wildlife periodically. Lois always seemed to make the best of any situation with a smile, hug or loving words. Her gentle, encouraging nature helped to make those in her presence feel so special. A Funeral Service was held for Lois on Thursday, November 26, 2009 at the South Peace United Church, Dawson Creek, British Columbia and Reverend Marilyn Carroll officiated. Lois was interred in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. |
 |
|||||
Dawson Creek: (250)
782-2577 Serving Fort St. John: (250) 785-2872 |
 |