MAITLAND-SMITH Gerald Maitland-Smith was born in London, England in July, 1935, while his parents, Mamie & Maitland Smith were on their way to Scotland. He died in Rocky Mountain House on Monday, 19th. December after a long fight with cancer. Gerald was educated at Denstone Public School. He then joined the British Army and was sent to Officers’ Training College, Eaton Hall before joining the Royal Scotts for a short posting while waiting for a commission in the 10th. Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles. With the 10th P.M.O.G.R. he saw action in Malaya during the emergency where he was Mentioned in Dispatches. He was in charge on the Tracker Wing and later taught in the Jungle Werfare School. During this time Gerald was appointed Game Warden to the Sultan of Pahang and spent time controlling rogue tigers and elephants in that district. After Malaya the Regiment moved to Honk Kong then Brunei after which Gerald returned to civilian life and went to Kenya to consider becoming a White Hunter, however he decided to return to his favourite hills and became a tea planter in Darjeeling in the Himalayas. After a spell Gerald went back to Britain where he pursued an interest in woodwork by restoring antiques for various museums and stately homes while running an antique gallery with his second wife. He also joined 23 Special Air Service and commanded the Dundee squadron. In 1997 he and his third wife, Kippy emigrated to Nordegg where he was Deputy Director and then Director of the Correctional Center for three years. After a government reshuffle Gerald decided to leave the Correctional Service and take up ranching in the Buster Creek area where his son, Ian Sinclair was born. He and his wife ran a purebred herd of polled Herefords for many years before reducing their herd and starting a riding school and boarding stable. Gerald loved and was brilliant at hunting and fishing. He was also a passionate builder and built or designed all the buildings at their ranch including the house and stables. His beautiful show jumps were much in demand by other stables and pony Clubs. While Gerald only rode horses to go somewhere, he strongly supported the horse world by helping the Equine 4-H whenever needed. He had a lifetime membership in the Rocky Agricultural Society and supported the new Sports Park. He also was chairman of the David Thompson Days Horse Show for 2 years and as a Director of the Alberta Equestrian Federation, was one of the founders of the Alberta Equestrian Games, the first of which was held near Rocky Mountain House. The funeral for Gerald will be held at Memorial Presbyterian Church, Rocky Mountain House, at 11:00 am on Friday 23rd. December with lunch to follow at the Legion Hall. Donations in lieu of flowers would be much appreciated for the Gurkha Welfare Trust, P.O. Box 18215 – 2nd. Floor, 1 Old Street, London EC1V 9XB, England. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.reddeerfuneralhome.com.