Obituary of Charles Francis Cassidy

Charles (Spitz) Francis Cassidy

The family of Charles (Spitz) Francis Cassidy is heartbroken to announce the passing of their husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Spitz was born on July 15, 1935 at the Cassidy Farm in the Linda Hall area near Stettler, AB and lived his entire life in the Stettler and Donalda area.  Spitz received his nickname very early in life because of his little Spitz breed dog that followed him everywhere.  Next to his family there was nothing Spitz loved more than horses and rodeo and he fostered that love in his children.  He was well known for his sense of humour and sharp wit.  He was an extremely hard worker and took great pride in a job well done.  Spitz passed away peacefully on March 31, 2021.

On February 1, 1955 he married Aleta Ann Smith and together, on a ranch east of Donalda, they raised six children.  Gwen (Robert Robinson) and children Lee with children Riley and Kesler; Jace (Melanie) with children Jared, Paige, Brody and Kate; Lisa; Shane (Julia).  Greg (Margaret) and children Curtis (Shannon) with daughter Shaylee; Cody (Tanya) with children Clyde and Quinn; Kirby (Dustin Kennedy) with child Meg.  John (Betty Ann) and children Shanon (Kyle Shingoose) with children Rhett, Chloe, Carver and Kayne; Bo (Chelsea) with children Ivy and Nevy; Charly (Reid Smith) with children Talon, Stryder, Remi, Jenner, and Walker; Guy (Cherisse) with children Lawson, Swayze, and Ryette.  Connie and children Cal Rajewski (Nichole) with children Tianna, Calder and Reese; Marcie (Brent Butterfield) with children Chase, Anna, Owen, and Ridge; Luke Rajewski (Celene) with children Tamsen, Thatcher, and Dempsey; Ty Rajewski.  Debbie (Rick Shepherd) and children Charlotte (Robert Curtis) with children Ben, Jed, Jake and Rex; Nolan (Myranda) with children Liam, Sam and Eva; Joel (Kerri) with children Ella, Weston, Corbin and Norah.  Rose (Blake Butterfield) and children Kelsy; Cole (Lacey) with children Lily, Nash, Sadie and Will; Reid (Justine) with children Tate, Maisy, and Sophie.  These twenty-one grandchildren and fifty-two great grandchildren were an immense source of pride for Spitz and Aleta and a truly remarkable legacy.

Spitz will be missed so much by Aleta, his wife of sixty-six years, his children and grandchildren along with their spouses, his great grandchildren, and by his brothers Al, Frank (Carline), and Bill; sisters-in-law Gwen and Gayle; brothers-in-law Lyle (Joan) Smith and Lorne (Mary) Smith; sisters-in-law Vera Smith and Pat Smith, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Spitz was predeceased by his eldest grandson Lee on January 6, 2021; brothers Leonard (Buzz), Terrence (Ned), John & sister-in-law Nancy, Lyle, sister Joyce, sister-in-law Stella, parents Tom and Genevieve (Viv) Cassidy, and mother-in-law, Louise Smith, brothers-in-law Jim (Phyllis) Smith, Donald Smith, Maurice Smith, and Willard Smith.

As per Spitz’s wishes there will not be a funeral service.  Restrictions permitting, there will be a celebration of life for Spitz at a later date.  Donations may be made to the Stettler Hospital Foundation (https://www.stettlerhealthfoundation.com/donate-now/) or a charity of the donor’s choice.