Wayne Malcolm Smith, 91, Minot, died Sunday, July 5, 2015 in a Minot Nursing Home.

Wayne was born March 10, 1924 at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, the son of Archie and Edna (Campbell) Smith. He was raised and educated in Avonlea, Saskatchewan and graduated from Avonlea High School in 1942. Wayne was called to serve his country with the Canadian Air Force in 1943 and honorably served his country until 1946 during World War II.

Following his discharge, Wayne moved to Minot and became employed as a salesperson for a local office supply company. Shortly thereafter, he worked for Granite Springs Water Company. He owned and operated the business for six years until he sold the business and built Kenway Motel in 1959. He owned and operated that business until he sold the motel in 1963. He purchased the Dairy Queen franchise in the 1960's and sold his interest to Bernie Hadler.

Wayne was well known in the local Real Estate ventures, earning his license in the 1950's. He partnered with Jim Jensen in commercial properties with Signal Realty Company. In 1984, he began employment with the NDDOT as a real estate officer and worked in that capacity until he retired in 1998.

Wayne was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, Minot. He was an avid curler and longtime member of the Minot Curling Club, where he won a ND State Championship and National Seniors Championship. The idea for a U.S. National Curling Championship was fostered out of a 1955 bonspiel in which Wayne and his teammates expressed a desire to have a championship much like their Canadian counterparts. He was a charter member of the US Men's Curling Association. He was also a member of the ND Softball Association and past President of the Minot Elks Lodge #1089.

Wayne's many hobbies and interests included, golfing, curling, and softball, where he was proud to have been on a state championship team in 1962. Wayne loved to babysit Kelby, Cyndy & Kyson'sdog, Cuddles. He will be remembered by his family for maintaining his wits and sense of humor right up until his death. God bless the memory of Wayne.

Wayne's loving family includes: son, Kelby (Cyndy) Smith, Minot; grandson, Kyson Smith, Minot and brother, Ken Smith, Minot;

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, son, Kevin.

Celebration of Life service: Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in Immanuel Baptist Church, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.