Gordon Smith was dedicated to serving people and the environment. He was passionate about stream and wetland stewardship and very active in conservation projects in Aldergrove and Delta.

Gordon worked with Parks Canada from 1971 to 1981 on several national parks, historic sites and canals with his major undertaking being the development of a new park, Pukaskwa in Northwestern Ontario. His job as a Metro Vancouver Park Planner took him into the rugged mountain wilderness of Lynn Headwaters, the sandstone canyons of Kanaka Creek and the richly textured meadows of the Fraser Valley.

Gordon’s work was his hobby, and his hobby his work.  He considered himself working for the people and the creatures he could benefit rather than large corporations like Parks Canada or Metro Vancouver.

He was loved and revered by those whose careers were twined with his own.  Although small in stature, Gordon was larger than life in his commitment and deeds to what was right for the Earth, and for the children who will inherit it. Gordon was more than an ideas man – he was a hands-on advocate for Nature and a believer in positive action.
 
To inspire others to follow his path, friends and colleagues initiated The Gordon Smith Environmental Award.  The award along with a bursary will be made annually to a student who demonstrates a commitment to environmental conservation and stewardship in the region.

The winner of the Gordon Smith Environmental Stewardship Award for 2010 is Blair Moro, a grade 12 student at North Surrey Secondary.

Project Park: Regional Parks

Project Champion: Pacific Parklands Foundation 

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