FOCUS - OCTOBER 2017 25 be consistent with that circumstance. “Expand or sell….?” he recalls. “I treasure my work- life balance. We’d expanded our focus – making the farm a site for weddings, as an example. My wife and I saw the potential for further growth, but we decided it’d be up to somebody else to take it there.” That “somebody else” would be Lin Yu and her hus- band, Paul. One element of the sale would see Irwin continuing to work, part-time and for a limited time, as an expert advisor to the new owners. “They’re working hard to get their feet under them in their new business. Once they’re comfortable, they plan to expand.” And with full retirement in the offing, what will Irwin Smith do? He beams, then laughs heartily. “Whatever I want!” Some of that time will see him return, at his own pace he says, to his first love. “I’ll take on some dates, singing and playing. The phone keeps ringing!” And no doubt he’ll successfully strike a delicate bal- ance: enough involvement to satisfy his ongoing lifetime passion for music, but not so demanding that it might infringe on his family activities. Like the songs he sings, everything will stay in perfect harmony. By Scott Mercer, Focus on Scugog In June 2012, Irwin is shown checking the apple buds. Passionate about apples, wine and SINGING! Irwin, singing in 2009, still loves performing to this day. Smith Farm (continued from page 19) 1-905-448-7848 • 1-705-932-4653 • 1-888-932-2005 www.blackdiamondgolfclub.ca New 18 Hole Layout • Great Daily Green Fee Rates Fantastic Membership Packages • Beautiful Weddings • Banquets Offsite Conferences • Office Retreats Experience Something Spectacular 2018 & 2019 Wedding Dates Available 2018 Memberships Now Available Pay for 2018 now and play the remainder of 2017 for FREE!!! From my family to yours - Heartfelt Wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving Bowmanville Office 54 King St. E. Bowmanville, Unit #103 Telephone: 905-697-1699 Toll free: 1-866-434-1141 E-mail: Erin.OToole@parl.gc.ca 1680 Reach Street, Port Perry 905-985-4441 www.emmanuelcc.ca Thanksgiving C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h Sunday 10 a.m. Sunday October 8 10:00 a.m.