Robert Wm. Smith

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February 12, 1947 – May 20, 2021

Robert Smith was a founding member of the Edmonton Pride Seniors Group and the primary impetus for several years behind the Group’s explorations of supportive housing and full care options for older LGBTQ2S+ Edmontonians and allies. He was a consultant for more than a decade with the City of Edmonton Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board, and before that served for a similar span of time as an educator, community developer, and researcher with HIV Edmonton.

Robert’s most extensive volunteer experience was with the Right at Home Housing Society (formerly Edmonton Inner City & Intermet Housing Societies), for 15 years, serving in various capacities, principally on the Board of Directors and most recently as a member of its development committee. He served in the volunteer position of provincial secretary/member of executive with the Alberta New Democrats in the late 1990s-early 2000s. Among his many other volunteer contributions were as a member of the board of directors of the Mile Zero Dance Society, as an adult adviser with the City of Edmonton Youth Council, and as a singer with and member of the board of directors of Edmonton Vocal Minority. He was one of the original organizers of the GALA Choruses in Canada, which is dedicated to cultivating the artistic development of queer choirs and organizes performances every four years in alternating cities. He was an original organizer of the Sherry McKibben Mojito Golf Tournament, raising funds for a now self-sufficient social worker scholarship in Sherry’s name. He was also active with the Edmonton Food Bank and the Edmonton Fringe Festival. In his spare time he crocheted beautiful blankets and clothing. Robert passed away in May 2021.