On October 13, 2025, Mallory Kent Smithson, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully in Red Deer, Alberta at the age of 76, with his wife at his side.

Mal was born on December 21, 1948, in Witchita Falls, Texas, USA. He was the second of five boys born to James Webster and Billie June Smithson (née Martin). Growing up, Mal spent his time in musical theatre, boy scouts, and riding bikes with his brothers, Monte, Mark, Mikel and Matthew. He attended high school in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and later joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a radar operator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War.

In 1970, Mal moved to Canada and settled in Calgary. He had a deep love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and proudly owned five over the years. After a difficult period and some trouble with the law, Mal began studying the Bible - finding answers to the big questions that had weighed on him. He soon turned his life around and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in August of 1974, a decision he often said had saved his life.

In 1974, he met and fell in love with Darlene Crawford. They married on September 21 of that year and shared 51 years together. They welcomed their daughter, Twyla Dawn, in December 1976, and their son, Beau James, in January 1982. The family settled in Ranchlands, Calgary, where Mal worked for the City of Calgary Electric System - first as a truck operator, and later managing the tool room.

Mal was a playful and devoted dad. He made time to play with his kids and take them swimming and fishing. The family camped often - summers in Sandpoint, Idaho, weekends in nearby campgrounds, and many trips with friends and family. Later, Mal and Darlene continued camping together, often kayaking on Central Alberta’s quiet lakes. Mal was also a very devoted husband, leaving little handwritten love notes for Darlene nearly every day.

Many friends have shared stories of how Mal touched their lives - whether through heartfelt advice, acts of kindness, or being baptized by him. He had a deep love for people and a heart that felt everything fully. He was often the first to shed a tear and the loudest to laugh. Mal will be missed, but only for a short while - until Jehovah God calls him to wake up, healthy and young, in the paradise on earth he looked forward to with such hope and conviction.

Mal was predeceased by his parents, James Webster and Billie June Smithson (née Martin). He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Darlene; his children, Twyla Ursaki (Chris) and Beau Smithson (Clarissa); brothers Monte (Jerene), Mark, Mikel (Sue), and Matthew (Debbie). He also has one granddaughter, Evie, who personally chose Mal and Darlene to be her honorary grandparents at the age of 3.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the worldwide work: donate.jw.org, or to the Red Deer Hospice Society: reddeerhospice.com/donate.

A memorial for Mal will be held on Saturday, November 8, at 3:30 p.m. at the Paterson Community Hall in Bowden. Friends and family are welcome to join on Zoom:

Meeting ID: 881 9723 8252

Password: Memorial

Condolences to Mal’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Mal Smithson” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944