Birth date: Jan 18, 1927 Death date: Dec 1, 2007
Lyle Edwin Smith Lyle E. Smith was born January 18, 1927 to Hazel Myrtle (Brooks) and Edward Robert Smith. He graduated from Lincoln High School, class of 1944, and served in the US Army Cavalry Division from 1944-6. He attended W Read Obituary
With caring thoughts we send this message to you and your family. Words alone aren't enough to ease the deep pain of losing someone so dear but may this message of Almighty God's promise offer comfort (John 11:25) now and in the days ahead. Mr. Smith held a special place in the hearts of many people and will be missed.##imported-begin##The Kindred Family##imported-end##
I lost my mother when I was 12, and when my father remarried Hazel Smith a year later, a giant stepped into my life. Her son Lyle was a great example to see and learn from. Much of what I saw and heard deepened in meaning over the years. His dedication to his family, especially his love for Madelyn, often shown through in his good-natured teasing, was apparent in his every gesture. That household was full of smiles. His dedication to a difficult job, to public service, to public safety, to the men and women who worked for him, was apparent in every conversation about work I ever heard. Lyle had high standards, the strength to maintain them, and the ability to coach others to achieve them. In his public life he was a Republican. But there was never a hint of partisanship in his work or relationships. He was always even handed, always professional, I think one of the best public servants we have seen. Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington State, and those whose lives he touched have lost an important man and true friend, but will always have his life's testimony as a great leader and servant, his demonstrated understanding of how intimately they are linked.##imported-begin##Russ Brubaker##imported-end##
My deepest sympathy and sadness over the lost of such a fine leader.
He was my friend and I'll never forget him##imported-begin##Leonard Georgia Morse##imported-end##
Dear Janet, I am not sure if you will remember me. I met you at the Linden Grove Home in late October. Dan Nolta introduced my husband and I to you. Sam visited your father on one of our many visits to my mother. I am so sorry to hear that you dad passed away. My mother also passed on November 4th (unexpectedly) and it has been very difficult for me to return to Linden Grove. I met you briefly but felt a kindred spirit. Please accept my condolences at the death of your dad. You are in our prayers.
Loralie and Sam Holden##imported-begin##Loralie Holden##imported-end##
What a full and productive life Lyle led...there are people who enrich the lives of us all and he was one of them. Our deepest sympathy on his loss. Love to you both, sue and bill##imported-begin##Sue and Bill##imported-end##
Lyle was one of the nicest and most honest people I have ever known. He did a remarkable job as Sheriff in putting the PCSD back on the right track. I came to know and love Lyle even more when he served as Commissioner of the Washington State Horse Racing Commission. Jan and I enjoyed Lyle and Madelyne's company.... they were such a great couple. I will forever remember The Chief, The Sheriff and The Commissioner. Our condolences to Janet and Henry and Lyle's extended family.##imported-begin##Walt & Jan Stout##imported-end##
I very much appreciate the legacy of Lyle's commitment to law enforcement in Tacoma and Pierce County. He was a man of principle and faith. I thank him for his leadership, guidance and his support to the T-PCC. I am confident on December 1, Lyle heard His voice say "Well done my child. Your race is over. You have fought the fight and kept the faith. Enter into the joy of the Lord."##imported-begin##Pat Johnson##imported-end##
I'll remember Lyle as a 'class act', both professionally and as a human being. Back in the 60's, as 'Gene Lewis', I served as News Director, at then, KTNT Radio, in Tacoma, and worked with Lyle 'on the street'. I think we had a mutual respect thing, based upon his clearly defined values and ethic. I knew I could trust his word and his judgement on public matters, and I believe he felt comfortable with my approach to the stories that came off the 'blotter'. We served, for a time, as joint members of the State Law & Justice Planning Commission, and often drove together, to meeting in Seattle and Olympia. He could readily step out from behind his badge, to be a 'regular' guy, and we enjoyed a casual comraderie. Later, when he served as Sheriff, we, again, shared the public's interests in like fashion. He was a gentle man, in spirit and practice, and I was honored to have known him.##imported-begin##C. V. deVille##imported-end##
Lyle and I joined the P.D. at the same time and had many experiences together. He was a good and honest Chief. Sorry to miss the funeral and express mhy personnel condolences. Lyle, The Best is Yet to Come. Bill L.##imported-begin##Bill Luebke##imported-end##
The courage and concern of Lyle Smith certainly helped change the direction of my life as I became on of the chaplains at the Tacoma Police Department and later a full time chaplain with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department. But it was more than me...it has been the countless officers of the many departments across Pierce County that have benefited as well as the countless victims and victim families visited by chaplains at the worst moments of their lives.
I loved, respected and followed Lyle Smith. His character, integrity and compassion will be sorely missed in my life and in the lives of Pierce County Law Enforcement.
We will all continue to be blessed as he put faith into action and established the Lyle and Madelyne Smith Scholarship Fund to assist law enforcement families with college scholarships and established a trust for the continual support of Tacoma-Pierce County Chaplaincy.##imported-begin##Dan Nolta##imported-end##
