12/08/2025
On December 4, Friends of Strathcona Park lost a dear friend, a guiding voice, and one of our founding members — Steve Smith, at the age of 86.
Steve’s deep love for Strathcona Park began during his time at Strathcona Park Lodge, where living and working in the heart of the landscape shaped a lifelong passion for its protection. When the government opened the park to mining and logging in 1986, Steve didn’t hesitate to step forward. He joined the blockade in 1987, standing firmly for the values that would define FOSP from its earliest days.
Steve and his wife, Marlene, were part of the first explorations of the Bedwell Trail. When volunteers began building the trail, Steve was there year after year—working, mentoring, supervising, and spending countless weeks in the Bedwell Valley helping bring that vision to life.
At the “Where the Wild Things Are” strategy conference held at Strathcona Park Lodge, Steve was inspired to create what became the Strathcona Wilderness Institute. Through collaboration with BC Parks and Mount Washington, and with the design of his longtime friend Rob Wood, the Visitor Information Centre at the Mount Washington trailhead took shape. Alongside co-director Bettie Brooks, he helped develop nature interpretation walks that continue to enrich the experience of visitors at Mount Washington and Buttle Lake.
Steve served for many years as a director of SWI and remained a steady source of inspiration to volunteers, park lovers, and all who care about Strathcona.
Thank you, Steve, for your unwavering love for the park and for your support of Friends of Strathcona Park. Your dedication helped shape who we are and strengthened our resolve to keep advocating for the protection of this extraordinary place.
We will miss you—your kindness, your conviction, and your presence on the trails you helped build. May you rest peacefully now, free from the discomfort of your later years. Your legacy lives on in every ridge, valley, and forest you fought to protect.
