Derald Glen Smith, 75
Derald Glen Smith of Calgary, beloved husband of Nancy (married 1970), passed away in Agape Hospice of cancer on June 18, 2014, at age 75 years, surrounded by family and friends.
Derald was born June 18, 1939, in Polson.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by half sister Deena Zachritz, daughter Denise Gonzalez (Arnie) and granddaughter Alexis, of Jackson, Calif.; niece Maureen Ammondson, husband Greg, son Zoe, of the Missoula area; nephew Patrick Foley, wife Amy, sons Kell and Colin, of Seattle; grand-nephew and -niece Bryan and Jennifer Foley, and brother-in-law Robert Jones of Missoula.
He was predeceased by his sister Hazel Foley, mother Elsie Culver, father Les Smith, and nephew Kevin Foley.
Derald's half-century career included 35 years teaching at the University of Calgary prior to his 2006 retirement. Derald completed Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees at the University of Montana at Missoula (1965 and 1966) before becoming a faculty member at Southern Colorado University, Pueblo (1966-67). He moved on to graduate studies at McGill University (1967-68) and the Johns Hopkins University (1968-71) leading to a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University in 1973. Derald earned an international reputation as the leading authority on anastomosing rivers — a distinct type of multi-channeled and stable river pattern found in low-gradient conditions such as deltas, but also for his pioneering work on ground-penetrating radar. His research has had a wide impact on numerous fields including ecology, biology, water management, engineering, geophysics and environmental protection.
Derald was awarded the Royal Canadian Geographical Society's 2014 Massey Medal by Alberta Lt. Gov. Donald Ethell. Established in 1959 by the Massey Foundation, the Massey Medal is awarded annually by the Society to recognize outstanding career achievement in the exploration, development or description of the geography of Canada.
After his university retirement, he set up Derald G. Smith Consulting Ltd. and continued to research and consult for national and international oil and gas companies.
Alpine skiing was always his passion, along with playing the banjo, roller-blading, kayaking and hiking. After leaving university teaching he joined the Alberta Masters Ski Club, carving up the slopes in national and international races, resulting in his selection for the Canadian Masters National Team. He was named CTV Calgary Athlete of the Week, Feb. 24, 2012. In addition, he was a longtime leader in the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games. His motto, demonstrated vividly by his accomplishments, was always to "seize life while you're still vertical."
In his words, “I was so grateful that I was able to help and mentor so many students in a way that has contributed to their lives being extraordinarily productive and rich."
A private celebration of Derald's life will be held later this month.
Condolences may be forwarded to www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
Derald will be deeply missed by countless students, colleagues, family and friends.
In memory of Derald, please donate, online or by mail, to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation (ACCRF) (www.accrf.org) P.O. Box 442, Needham, Mass., 02494.
In living memory of Derald Smith a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.