Gilbert Philip Smerchanski was born on October 31, 1957.  He passed away on May 13, 2021.

Gilbert was positive, friendly and had a great sense of humour always with a big smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. He enjoyed meeting people wherever he went and was not forgotten by those he met.  People were drawn to his charismatic personality.

Gilbert had many interests.  He was an avid hockey fan first attending his brother’s hockey games, expanding to the Jet’s season tickets and later watching all of the games on TV.  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were another favorite team of his. He began his fishing enjoyment on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, netting minnows for bait so that he could fish for pickerel and perch.  One pail of minnows was never enough and there are many who can attest to helping him for hours.  He continued his love of fishing, catching salmon and sturgeon in BC, lake trout in George Lake and northern Manitoba, deep sea fishing in the Caribbean and Mexico for wahoo and mahi-mahi.  Gilbert was adventurous. He kayaked on Lake Winnipeg, rode horseback at Falcon Lake Stables and on mountain trails in Kelowna, went up in a hot air balloon, cruised and snorkelled in the Caribbean, enjoyed music and attended the Paul McCartney concert.  He liked all types of gaming, whether it was going to the casino, or challenging you to Rummikub.  He was very proud to win the game.

Let us follow Gilbert’s example.     Live life to the fullest,

smile and go fishing.

We deeply miss you.   Rest in peace.