Joseph August Smela
Joseph August Smela, 88, of 23424 TWP RD 551 Sturgeon County, Alberta, passed away peacefully at his home on September 24, 2024.
Joe was born on August 28, 1936 to John and Anastasis Smela of the Linaria-Westlock Alberta area, growing up on the farm. Joe attended school until he was needed to work the farm. Joe later attended NAIT to further his education receiving his tickets in welding including pressure B, plumbing and water well drilling.
Joe married Delene Dargatz of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, and had one child, Philip.
Joe worked the water industry until the evening he passed, answering a service call before bed.
Joe was very community oriented - making sure people had clean water and serviced wells. Regardless of the time the a call was received, Joe would go out to help. Joe pioneered the water test in the Oilfield Seizmic Industry, and the test is used today as a standard of measurement.
Joes favorites: color- blue, sport - fishing, food - Riblings at Tony Roma's, pass time - Square dancing,music - Country & Western and some rock & roll, and spending time with his family and dog, roasting hot dogs and enjoying a fire.
Joe is survived by his son, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and his dog Cain
Joe was preceeded in death by his parents, family relations, and best friends Christine and Apollo.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 12, 2024 for Joe at the Farm 23424 TWP RD 551, Sturgeon County, Alberta, just North off Highway 37, from 2 to 6 pm
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations maybe be made to Alberta Homeward Hound Rescue Bureau.
So sorry to see you go Grampa.
Wish we had one more fishing trip just to see you smile.
Love you so very much.
What a Great guy , brilliant teacher , close friend and loved by four generations of my family ….Every conversation I had with Joe full of humor and wisdom ….You will be missed my friend …. MUCH RESPECT for the Sharp mind with a crooked finger ……..
.Dean Hadley
Our beautiful friend and first cousin, so sorry we couldn’t meet as planned at Tony Roma’s, although you lived to be 88, you had many hardships in your life and you overcame obstacles that not many would have, we will always keep your memory close to our hearts and rest easy in Paradise, we loved you and will always love you, Joe., until we meet a again.