Richard Smith
Richard Smith, 67, passed away on September 9, 2021.
Richard’s legacy lives on through his loving wife of 35 years, Bonnie Smith and their two children; Buck Smith of Arizona and Ri Mason (Tom) of Montana, grandkids Hudson and Nola, sisters Linda Wickstrom (Wayne) of Entiat, Janice Spencer (Dan) of Poulsbo, brother Greg Smith (Shanna) of Alabama, and Annie Miller (Shad) and her kids Baylla, Emma, and Coleman whom he loved as his own grandkids.
Once known as “Mr. Football” at North Kitsap High School, Richard went on to spend his summers fishing in Alaska and eventually moved to Winthrop to settled down and start a family.
Richard chose adventurous professions such as commercial fishing, horse packing, logging, and fighting wildfires as a sawyer which he did right up until two weeks before he passed.
Just like his father, Lindley Smith, Richard was active in the local youth sports community helping to coach little league alongside Larry DeLisi and eventually Babe Ruth. Richard could always be found on the sidelines of the high school football games (probably because he wanted to be closer to the action) including the 2006 state playoff game in Reardon when the temperature was -5 degrees (with the wind chill) and he stood in the freezing rain wearing bright orange Grundens fishing gear.
Richard was an avid outdoorsman, successful hunter, fruitful gardener, and occasionally lucky fisherman. In fact, Richard’s favorite time of the year was deer season when he got to head to the woods for two weeks (sometimes stretched into a full month) to live in a wall tent at an undisclosed location, surrounded by other Smith boys.
Richard’s active lifestyle kept him young, and even at the age of 67 he was still climbing the large fir tree at the end of his and Bonnie’s driveway to make sure the star at the top was glowing bright every Christmas season. His memory will live on as that star in Heckendorn continues to glow this holiday season.
Richard is preceded in death by parents Lindley and Toni Smith, and Cousin Ed Smith (Christy).
