“He was generous with his time; never made you feel hurried. And even though he never said a word, never wanted the limelight, he made many anonymous donations for our community. He was a wonderful man and I’m glad to have known him.”
-Seona Helmer
The Columbia Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) honours the memory of Roger Smith, a devoted supporter and beloved community member who passed away on August 7, 2023, at the age of 86. Roger’s life was a testament to generosity, dedication, and unwavering commitment, values that resonate deeply with our mission at the Foundation.
Born in Melville, Saskatchewan, Roger’s journey led him to Invermere in the early 1960s, where he met his wife, Dorothy (Dot). It was in this vibrant community that Roger made his mark, known for his active participation in local activities such as old-timers’ hockey, men’s night at the golf course, and evenings at the Legion.
Roger was more than a familiar face in the community; he was a pillar of support and kindness. His longtime business partner and friend Rick Andruschuk reflected on Roger’s impact, saying, “Even with an extremely busy practice, Roger never turned anyone with a question away. His door was always open to staff and anyone else who came through the office.” Roger’s dedication extended beyond his professional life. His commitment to community service was evident in his significant contributions to the Rotary Club, where he volunteered countless hours to various projects aimed at improving the lives of others.
As a founding member of the Foundation and a long-time member of the executive committee, Roger’s influence was profound. He was a driving force behind the establishment and growth of the Foundation, and his legacy continues to inspire our work.
Fellow CVCF founding board member Seona Helmer, remembers, “In the early years the office for the CVCF was upstairs in the Pynelogs building. While we were very grateful for the space, it was cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Roger never missed a meeting and was always concerned about everyone’s comfort in that location. I always appreciated his ‘sartorial elegance’, quite simply, he was a beautiful dresser, so classy! He was generous with his time; never made you feel hurried. And even though he never said a word, never wanted the limelight, he made many anonymous donations for our community. He was a wonderful man and I’m glad to have known him.”
From the beginning, Roger’s vision was clear: he sought ways to enhance community well-being and create positive change. Known for his forward-thinking approach and deep sense of civic responsibility, Roger was instrumental in shaping early conversations about many community initiatives.
Despite a decade-long battle with dementia, Roger’s spirit remained vibrant. He continued to smile, laugh, and share his trademark humour, embodying a resilience that inspired all who knew him.
As we reflect on Roger Smith’s life and contributions, we are reminded of the values he embodied and the impact he made. His legacy lives on through the work of the CVCF and the countless lives he touched. Roger’s enduring commitment to improving our community will forever be a guiding light for our Foundation and a reminder of the power of one individual’s generosity to create lasting change.