George E. Smith's Obituary
George Edgar Smith, age 70, died on August 16, 2006, on his 31st Wedding Anniversary. He was a real trooper and fought hard with courage and grit. He was the youngest of five children born to T. Elmer Smith and Viola Smith. He was raised in Puyallup WA, where he attended school. He graduated from Puyallup High School in 1954 and was on the Wrestling Team, was a Band Member and excelled in Tennis. He was in the Navy Reserves during his last year of high school and the day after graduation, reported for active submarine duty in New London, CT. He was discharged in 1957. He was also in the Navy Drum and Bugle Corp.Following discharge, George enrolled in Utah State University, entered into their Range Management Program and graduated in 1963. His work experiences were varied and he truly enjoyed all of his jobs working for the Forest Service and later for the Bureau of Land Management as a Smoke-Jumper, Air Cargo Loadmaster and other duties during his tenure. He was also employed in military operations serving most of his time in Southeast Asia as an Aviation Delivery Specialist during the Vietnam War.George retired from the Alaska B.L.M. in 1985 and returned to his boyhood Anderson Island Paradise. He and his wife purchased the Beach Home of their Dreams and began to remodel extensively with George doing much of the work himself. He would take on any challenge and he could Do It All! His address book holds the quote. Â"The better part of every manÂ's education is that which he gives himselfÂ". He lived by that motto all his life. George and his wife, Judy ran a B. & B. from their Island home for six years and judging by the Guest Book his humor, ad lib comments, casual entertainment and cooking skills were a real hit with visitors. Last but not least Â- he worked for LeMay Refuse for eight years and was well known by all his Island customers as a man of integrity and loyalty. He had a knack for helping others in subtle ways that at times may have gone unnoticed by those who received his gentle guidance.He enjoyed many hobbies and interests including a love of motorcycles, golfing (two holes-in-one) on our Island Course; boating, fishing, Alaskan clay ceramics, and much more. He also had a PilotÂ's license and flew solo from AZ to AK. The hobby most dear to his heart was rock-hounding with his Mom. They went on many adventures together learning and identifying new-found treasures. He had a special bond with her. His dad died when he was only five months old.George is survived by his wife, Judith, daughter Barrie and her husband Tom Schmitt, Step-son Kevin Larkin and his wife Kim, and their extended family. He leaves a sister Leona, sister-in-law Charmaine, a brother Lew, and many loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends who all hold him dear to their hearts. He was pre-deceased by his brother E. Charles (Chuck) Smith and sister Bonnie Sand.Burial will be in Anderson Island Cemetery. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at 1:00 PM on August 26, 2006 at the Anderson Island Community Church, 11405 Yoman Rd., Anderson Island, WA. Donations may be made to a favorite charity. Hint: George loved animals and is survived by a 20 year old cat, Sam and three 13 year old wild cats (all named Â"SpookyÂ").
What’s your fondest memory of George?
What’s a lesson you learned from George?
Share a story where George's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with George you’ll never forget.
How did George make you smile?