Regimental Number: A10038
Rank: Private
George was born on July 10th, 1924 to Peter and Elena Smashnuk. He had a twin sister, Dorothy along with two other sisters, Mary and Doreen as well as seven brothers, Nick, Paul, Eli, William, Harry, Donald and Leon. Peter and Elena were originally from Romania and had settled in Andrew, Alberta before moving to the Grande Prairie District in 1920. Peter filed a homestead application on SW-25-72-3-W6 in an area of Bezanson known as Lindsay. The family worked hard on their farm and eventually purchased another quarter of land. The children received their education at the One-Room Lindsay School.
George enlisted with the Army on February 2, 1942 in London, Ontario. He received basic training in Kitchener, Ottawa and Hamilton before sailing for the United Kingdom in July 1943. He was transferred to Italy in November 1944. Although George was wounded in January 1945, he remained on duty. George was discharged on October 3, 1945 at London, Ontario. Private George Smashnuk served in Canada, United Kingdom, Continental Europe and the Central Mediterranean Area and received the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France & Germany Star, Defense Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp and the War Medal 1939-45.
Upon his return home from the war, George found employment in the Beaverlodge area. He then decided to move to Mayo, Yukon where he became a prospector. George had married Alice White. He survived a devastating avalanche in 1962; however, had to spend several months in hospital recovering. They later moved to Vancouver Island and made their home at North Saanich where George found employment as a heavy duty mechanic. In his retirement, George had many hobbies; boating, fishing, golfing and lapidary.
George passed away on September 9, 2009 and was buried at Victoria, BC. His wife Alice had passed away in 2005.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Service File
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Nephew – Randy Smashnuk
Newspaper obituary