Obituaries

SMELTZER, Ian Alexander Francis

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ian Alexander Francis Smeltzer on Monday, February 27, 2017 at the age of 81. Survived by his loving family: daughter Brenda Lynn Cherniak of Grimsby, ON, son Brian (Marv) Alexander Smeltzer of Kelowna, BC; grandchildren: Brett and Megan Cherniak and his brother Bill. He leaves us all with the greatest loss, along with the legacy of his unique values, views and entrepreneurial drive. Ian leaves great memories and reminders of the true values in these mortal lives. He always demonstrated that life is to be lived; never a dull moment or wasted statement. We, the family and good friends, love him. Thank you Dad,

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

Condolence Messages

Oct 04, 2017
Condolences to the Smeltzer family.

Highlines, you'll be missed.

Al Fisher
Mar 09, 2017
My condolences to your family, also to Bill on the loss of his bro, hugs to all, Marie
Mar 07, 2017
Brenda, Marv, Bill & Donna and family. My sincerest condolences for your loss. I came to know Ian thru the Fire Dept initially, then later by working for him, Bill and Tony at Kon Kast in the mid- eighties. My last visit with him was at the plant a couple of years ago where he gave me a tour and he excitedly told me of all the accomplishments and changes to the business. I always liked Ian - behind that rough and sometimes gruff exterior there was a gentle soul with a heart of gold. He was a very caring and giving man, and he was certainly a fixture of the Packing House, Rutland & Big White! His mark on the community will be missed by many.

Rest well, my friend.

Bill DiPasquale

Richmond, BC
Mar 06, 2017
Just heard the news. Our condolences Marv. He was a great guy.

Rick and Annette Landon
Mar 05, 2017
Ian taught me a lesson or 2 over the years always had something positive to say. My thoughts are with Marv and Bill and the Kon Kast family. Ron Jorde
Mar 05, 2017
Deepest condolences to family and friends, may Ian RIP, so sorry for your loss.

Kellie & Linda Milton
Mar 05, 2017
A true legend has left us with many memories that were as special as the man himself. Marv, your dad was greatly loved and respected. The Sportman's Bonspiel in Kamloops brought many memories of times spent we together. To all the Smeltzer family that are still with us, you can all be proud of the legacy Ian has left behind.

Greg Stark
Mar 05, 2017
Dear Marv; we are sorry sorry to hear about your dad.he was a great person he always had a smile for me, he will be missed and I know you will miss him greatly. Thinking of you at this sad time. Debby and Terry Pell. Cody and Jason Bjork.
Mar 05, 2017
Marv and family, during one's life, there are those individuals which stand out above all others...... Ian is top of the list for me. Always a smile and first to share his thoughts on the situation at that moment. Enjoyed our conversations and company from time to time, sad to think that I won't be sitting and chatting with him again.

L. Sawchuk
Mar 04, 2017
My sincere and deepest sympathy to Marv and the rest of the family!! Ian was the best kind hearted person. He certainly will be missed by everybody who knew him!! May he rest in Peace!! Dita and Winston.
Mar 04, 2017
Our deepest condolences to the Smeltzer family. Ian was a founding member of the Okanagan Harley Owners Group many years ago and he was ready to lend a hand at any event. It was always a fun day out on a ride with Ian. He was a great man and will be missed.

Blair and Leanne Kane
Mar 04, 2017
Marv, the Smeltzer's and everyone affected, I have great memories of meeting and knowing Ian the skiing, bike rider, white beard memorable man, I am sad for your loss ...Darren Mohl
Mar 04, 2017
Marve we will all miss the man with the big smile and the firm handshake that we gave each other. I will miss getting him his soup and sandwich when he stopped in to see me at the butcher shop. Take care Marv. Don Favell
Mar 03, 2017
Dear Marv, Brenda, Brett, Megan, Bill & family. We would like to extend our condolences for your loss. It is hard to find words that adequately express what Ian meant to us. We will miss him. Our thoughts are with you. Sincerely Ron, Glenna, & Aj Carlson
Mar 03, 2017
Brian and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies.

He was a kind and gentle friend.

Ingrid
Mar 03, 2017
So sorry to hear of Ian's passing. Was always fun to be around.My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

John Reid
Mar 03, 2017
My condolences to Marv and to all of the Smeltzer family.

Harry
Mar 03, 2017
Marv, I was very sad to hear about your dad's passing. He was a unique man. My thoughts are with you at this time. Take care, Marv.

LindaGilbert
Mar 03, 2017
Ian's family and many friends. Enjoyed the Baja bike trip and the ride home from Sturgis with a really nice guy. Ride on big guy ! Terry Hatton from Sechelt
Mar 03, 2017
My thoughts are with you Bill, Donna, Jarrett, Scott, Mark and David. Marv and Brenda you are very fortunate to have such family that can help shoulder the loss of your dad. We all saw a different part of Ian's personality, but what I think we ALL saw was a good brother, friend and a very kind person.

Your imprint on this world will not be forgotten.

Carol and Gene Longson
Mar 03, 2017
To Ian's family,

So sorry to hear of Ian's passing. Loved him lots and will miss him dearly. Lots of great memories.

Love, Mo
Mar 03, 2017
My sincere condolences to all of Ian's family and friends. I have great memories of him at the ballpark, ski hill, packing house pub and any event happening in Rutland as well as doing business with him at Kon-Kast.

Owen Tagseth
Mar 03, 2017
Ian left a big footprint on this world. Ian and Bill (and Donna) left a long established farming community in Sherwood Park, Alberta to move to Kelowna fifty years ago. Their family home in Sherwood Park was built in 1920, is a Registered Historic Resource and the Smeltzer House Centre for Arts and Culture is still being used. The family history is interesting reading online. We think we saw some of his ancestor in Ian, Robert Burns, the Scottish poet. He did sometimes like to be the centre of attention! We remember various versions of "...until the Captain gives the word". Ian was certainly well known in business in Kelowna, but he was also always active in the community. The Rutland Volunteer Fire Department played a big part in his life for many years and he even served as Fire Chief. The volunteers were a very social fun group and had dances, Christmas parties and many other events including hose coupling competitions. They didn't miss a parade. Ian curled and played ball, skied on the mountain, snowmobiled, hunted and fished and Dick remembers him driving around all summer in his old Willys Jeep. What happened at the "Zoo" stayed at the Zoo! And did Ian own the Harley or did the Harley own Ian? With the sadness of a friend's passing come the smiles as we remember the fun times. We always knew where to find him after work. The Captain enjoyed a good squeeze and usually expected more than one. Donna and Linda, you were both treasures in his life and he was lucky to have you both.

Our sincere condolences to all of you.

Dick and Cheryl
Mar 03, 2017
My thoughts and well wishes go out to Marv & Brenda. So many memories of your dad, his 50th birthday, days at Kon Kast, Rutland May Days, hunting trips up north, Rutland Volunteer Fire Department and the Packing House. At times he looked like a burly motorcycle guy but he was such a pussy cat.

You will be missed big time Ian.

Take care, Randy Ritchey
Mar 03, 2017
So very sorry to hear about Ian's passing.

RIP Captain Highliner.

He will be missed.

Len and Linda Comeau
Mar 02, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Smeltzer family

My thoughts and prayers are with you

I remember meeting Ian when I was very young at our family business at Rutland Tire

He always had that smile when you were talking to him

RIP Ian

Darren McClelland
Mar 02, 2017
Godspeed ....Ian, may the rods be sunny and the tank always full....

I had the pleasure to work with Ian as board member for AIM.

I enjoyed his helpful nature, level headed advice, and the honest effort he put out.

He always helped out at Boogie Bash , usually supplying a big truck to use as a stage..

Always fun to be around...many of us will miss him.............Frank Motschko
Mar 02, 2017
My heartfelt sympathies go out to you at this time.

Ian taught me a lot about the fun that is to be had in life, even with his many toys, he always enjoyed a good laugh, great friends and a cold beer.

My family and I will continue to remember his spirit, quote him at the best of times and the thought of him will always brighten our hearts.

Joanne P.
Mar 02, 2017
We are very sorry and sad to hear of Ian's passing. Our thoughts today are of him and his family. There were many happy and fond times in the curling rink and on the ball field. Our memories of him brings a smile.

Bev and Dave
Mar 02, 2017
Sorry to hear of Ian's passing, our prayers are with you all. Laverne and Brigita O'Brien.
Mar 02, 2017
Truly sorry to hear of Ian's passing. I first met Ian at an early Boogie Bash at 8 Mile Ranch. I discovered early on that he was direct, honest dependable and simply a stand-up guy. Ride hard, Ian.

Jim Morris
Mar 02, 2017
Marv and family.I was very saddened to hear about your dad's passing and send you big hugs.

He will always be fondly remembered, with such a great contagious smile and wonderful personality he had. :-)
Mar 02, 2017
Marv and family,

My deepest condolences to you all. I was honored to have known Ian, he was always a pleasure to be with and I loved giving him his many hugs that he wanted, the PH will never be the same without him. He will be sadly missed but always in our hearts.

Much love, Denise Russo
Mar 02, 2017
Marv, so sorry for your loss. Ian taught me a lot in life as he gave me one of my first jobs making patio slabs and then how to be a fireman with the Rutland volunteer fire department. Ian we will all miss you.

Jack Newton
Mar 02, 2017
Marv and family,

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Ian meant a lot to me as he was one of my first customers when I started at Harley. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Brad Harnett
Mar 02, 2017
Dear Marv,

We are sorry to hear of your dad's passing, He was a great guy, a real gentleman, and our very good friend. We will miss his presence in our lives, and carry forever the wonderful times we spent with him and you and Kelly at Eight Mile Ranch.

Larry & Marilyn Calvin
Mar 02, 2017
I am sorry to hear of Ian's passing. My condolences to all family and friends. We had some good rides in the past and I will cherish them.

Hawk
Mar 02, 2017
Marv, Brenda and the rest of your family,

We are thinking of you at this time.Wish we were with you. Will see you when back in town!

Your friends, Ron and Kathy
Mar 02, 2017
My condolences to the family. I knew Ian for many years through business, and I'll miss him slapping me on my back and saying, "hey, Larson!" He was a good friend.

Earl Larson
Mar 01, 2017
To Ian's family: I loved Ian for many years. We skiied together, we socialized at the Packing House together and I was at his 50th Birthday Party at East Kelowna Hall.. Hard to believe that was 31 years ago. I remember when he had his heart attack and was worried then but he seemed to get through and started skiing and biking again. I met you Brenda one day not long ago at the Packing House and I remember that Ian looked at me with a rather blank look until he heard the nick name "Jonesy" Then he seemed to remember me and I was happy to meet you. My heart goes out to all of his family, know in your hearts that he was a great guy and a great friend. I am currently in California and won't be back for the funeral....but I want to pass on my condolences and sadness to his family. Also to my friends Maurice and Linda.....Sad day!
Mar 01, 2017
We were so sorry to hear of Ian's passing. Our thoughts and prayers to you Brian, and your sister and her family. With deepest sympathy,Bill and Connie Parker.Ardrossan,AB.
Mar 01, 2017
Marv and family

It was a great honour to have known Ian, he was a incredible individual. A man with a big heart and a great soul that touched so many people. There are so many memories that we will always hold onto. He will be missed by all and forever be in our hearts.

Darryl and Yvette
Mar 01, 2017
Dear Marv and all who Love Ian. I am so very sorry for your loss. Ian was always kind and loving to me and I will always remember him with much Love.

Rose Sexsmith
Mar 01, 2017
You were one of the most honest straight to the point real person we have known. Anyone that knew you was a lucky person. You will be missed pal. Henk & Tina Vanden Eerenbeemt