Obituary of Melinda and Jamie Smith

Melinda Lee (Rudolph) Smith was a wife to Jamie (James) Smith, a mother to Caleb and Jaden Smith, grandmother to Averie and Liam Smith, sister to Ella Rudolph and Kristen Rhyno, the best auntie to Alcisha Rudolph and Katelynne White, Hayden Rhyno, Ella Rhyno and David Rhyno, a daughter to Harry and Charlotte Rudolph, and a niece to Linda and Jerry Flanders. She was a caregiver by nature and profession, and a friend to many. Those who knew her well were loved by her fiercely and she had no problem in letting them know that. Her world revolved around her granddaughter Averie – they had a bond like no other. She cherished her time with both of her grandchildren. Melinda was from an intensely Christian background, and while she did believe in God and accepted Jesus into her heart, she had a more spiritual connection with her Indigenous culture and heritage. She stayed true to her sacred roots, often seeking signs and answers in all things natural. She would receive answers not everyone could always see or interpret the way she could. She loved animals, was passionate about nature and was a talented taxidermist and artist of all kinds. She was an oracle. She was a light in our lives. She was an incredible cook and baker. On holidays she would make the most delicious and extravagant meals for the entire family, memories cherished by all of us all now.

Jamie (James) Smith was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Jamie was an incredible uncle to his siblings’ children, always showing up to make everyone laugh. He was the eldest son of Carol Ramsay, brother to Shauna McNally, Jody Brownell, Angela Ramsay, and Ashley (Ramsay) Ho. Jamie had a passion early in his life for technology. He had a great career in IT and helped the family span distance early using technology, always being the first to help with any technical problems they faced. He was a trailblazer for his family, demonstrating that education and hard work pays off. He was a great influence to his family and friends to embrace technology to make their lives easier. He loved to play video games with his family and friends. He kept a goofy guy personality wherever he went, often being the first to find humour in anything. He was hilarious. Jamie was passionate about animals he would take trail cam videos of animals in season instead of actually hunting them. Jamie was compassionate and spent the last ten years showing that by loving his family and helping Melinda (his wife) run and manage a business caring for others. He was best friends with his cat Pheobe and his daughter’s rabbit Stewart,  but Melinda was his number one best friend. Jamie went for evening walks, spent time with his kids at the gym, and took his family for ice cream. He was his entire family’s rock.

They will both be missed by so many including the people they took care of and those they took in. There are so many people we took care of as our own and “adopted” them. Melinda and Jamie Smith changed so many peoples lives with unbounded kindness. They loved their grandchildren and built the strongest and most special bond with them. We can only say how much they mean to us and how much we appreciate them. They have lived an amazing life. We hope they have found peace, and all of our love reaches them making this an easier transition for their souls.

Love isn’t a great enough word to describe what you two have together or how we feel about you. It will surpass death and be without parting. It is timeless and forever. Always in our hearts and thoughts.

Melinda and Jamie’s family will be having a private celebration of life and asks for your respect, privacy, and prayers at this time.