It is with deep regret that we inform Federation members of the passing of Brigadier General Paul D Smith. A staunch member and supporter of the BC Wildlife Federation for many years General Smith passed away on September 9, 2003 in Qualicum Beach BC.

He served in the Canadian army from 1940 and after a distinguished career retired in 1970 with the rank of Brigadier General. Smith was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his wartime service in North West Europe.He served on the British Columbia Second Century Fund (now known as the Nature Trust) from its inception, and played a major role in concert with the BCWF. in establishing Rod Haig-Brown Park on the Adams River in British Columbia. Paul served for several years as Chairman of the Nanaimo Regional District and in that position, proved most helpful to the Federation and member clubs, dealing with land and foreshore issues.

Paul was for most of his BC years a member of the Parksville, Qualicum Fish & Game Club and served several terms on the executive of the Vancouver Island Region of the BCWF.

Paul's real passion was always his outdoor activities. wing shooting, fishing , and boating, with gardening as another love. I had the pleasure of flyfishing with Paul, wading for coho salmon at the mouth of French Creek, years ago. Watching Paul use a double handed fly rod was watching a master in action. I remember landing a 10lb coho salmon on that trip while Paul caught and released 5 coho We were both using flies tied by Paul's brother Air Vice Marshall Doug Smith, also a Federation member. Doug passed away a number of years ago.

Larry Blair, President of the Parksville Fish & Game Club tells me that after Paul suffered a stroke and went into long term care at the Eagle Park Facility, he joined the Disabled Sportsmans shooting program, run by the Parksville club for disabled sportsmen, many of which use handguns. After a second stroke, Paul progressed from handguns to .22 rifle, until his health deteriorated and he then became a spectator.

Paul had the distinction of serving both his country and those of us in this province. He was a valued member of our Federation and will be missed by all who knew him.

Ed Mankelow.
BCWF Past President