Tributes have been flowing in for Brian Smith, a dedicated member of the community who passed away recently.
Smith died suddenly in Vernon, B.C., on Jan. 23 at the age of 64.
Among his high profile roles came when Smith was the co-chair of the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estevan, alongside Brian Senchuk – an event that was a huge success and left a considerable legacy for Estevan. But he was involved in many other aspects.
Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming executive director Kathleen Reynolds sent a message Friday afternoon, saying that Smith first became involved in the sport in 2006-07 as a club volunteer, as other members of his family were involved.
He became a coach, a judge and eventually a referee.
“Brian had a huge influence on the Estevan Mermaids athletes and anyone watching could see the enjoyment he had being involved with them and eventually all athletes across the province,” Reynolds said.
Smith moved to Vernon, B.C., for the 2018-19 season but continued to be a member with synchronized swimming as he travelled back to Saskatchewan to assist with refereeing one or two competitions each year.
“Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming and many of our members will tremendously miss Brian and his wonderful happy personality.”
Mermaids head coach Shannon Wanner said for the better part of 10 years, on every Monday and Wednesday evening and some weekends, she spent time coaching alongside Smith, “this amazing man.”
He touched so many lives, Wanner said, and he was always there to lend a helping hand to athletes, coaches, and officials.
“I will always remember his smile and his brisk walk onto the pool deck to set up the music system for us,” Wanner said.
The Mermaids will have a Swim for Brian night on Wednesday.
Penta Completions Estevan Minor Football announced Friday that it would rename its Volunteer Family of the Year Award to the Brian Smith Volunteer Award.
“Without Brian’s determination, there just may not have been football in Estevan. Brian was one of the first on board in 2007 to help make Estevan Minor Football and the ECS Elecs become realities,” minor football said on its Facebook page.
“Without Brian, we’d not have the facilities at our Woodlawn game field. Nor would Dr. Dean Chow Field been developed.“
After the 2011 flood, Brian was all in when it came to rebuilding the Woodlawn Field facilities. Discussions about the project eventually led to Smith co-chairing the 2016 Games committee.
Minor football said Smith’s expertise again was put into developing and making sure local facilities were up to code for their respective sports in 2016.
“We know Brian still lives among us in Estevan. Every time you see our local youth on a football field, a soccer pitch, a baseball diamond or a swimming pool, chances are Brian Smith had something to do with it.”
For most of his time in Estevan, Smith worked at the local mines; he had a bachelor of science in mining engineering. Smith was also involved in numerous other organizations when he lived in Estevan.
