BARRHEAD- The County of Barrhead is in mourning after learning about the passing of former councillor and reeve Joe Smith, on July 11. He was 93.
Smith served as Division 5 councillor from 1966 to 1986, through 1977 onward, he also served as reeve. He also served as president of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC), the forebearer of the Rural Municipalities Association.
His many accomplishments include the creation of a local library, preserving shelterbelts and creating several tree-planting initiatives.
In addition to serving on the council, Smith also chaired the Barrhead General Hospital, Hillcrest Home Foundation (the precursor to the Barrhead and District Social Housing Association), and many other boards and committees.
He was also an avid sportsman and outdoor enthusiast who loved baseball, softball and curling and loved to hunt and fish.
However, to Roy Ulmer, a long-time County of Barrhead councillor, more importantly, he was a cherished friend.
Ulmer first met Smith because they were neighbours in Mellowdale.
"He was a good farmer and sawyer," he said, noting Smith also worked in the forest industry for area sawmills.
As with all neighbours, Ulmer got to know Smith when they helped each other with projects on their respective farms.
Ulmer recalled he would often borrow a horse-pulled grader from Smith to plough his driveway.
But what bonded the pair the most was their mutual love for baseball.
Not only did Smith have a passion for the game, he was a talented player. Something Ulmer learned first hand when they played together on the Freedom Phillies.
"He was a good infielder and was especially strong at third-base," he said, adding Smith was also an offensive threat being "good on the bat."
Ulmer would move on, playing for the Barrhead Pontiacs, Cardinals and even the Westlock Red Lions and faced Smith as an advisory.
Eventually, the pair would become teammates again playing for Freedom Phillies, but this time as part of an old-timers league. Smith was the player/coach.
"We played in a July 1st tournament at Elks Beach, during Kiddies Day," he said.
In his older years, Smith would transition from baseball to slow-pitch, playing on several Barrhead teams and competing at the Alberta 55 Plus Summer on several occasions as part of the Zone 5 Black Gold contingent.
Ulmer also credits Smith's for him making the leap into municipal politics encouraging his neighbour to take a run at his old Division 5 seat.
"He was really supportive," he said. "As a friend and neighbour, I really thought a lot of Joe, he was a good guy. I'm going to miss him.”
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
