Ronald George Smith

Ronald George Smith 1939 - 2019

   On October 18, 2019, Ronald George Smith passed from this life into one without pain or suffering.  Ron fought a year-long battle with bone cancer.  He died peacefully in his sleep with his wife and son by his side.

            He was born in Wynyard, Saskatchewan, on Aug. 17, 1939.  During his early years his family moved several times as his father was stationed at various bases during World War II.  In 1947 they moved to Lethbridge, Alberta, where Ron did most of his schooling.  He was very active in sports in the community and through the YMCA.  Swimming, hockey, gymnastics and running were his specialties.  From his early childhood on he knew he wanted to have a career in teaching and coaching.

            After graduating from Montana State University Ron taught at 0 W.F. West High School in Chehalis from1962 until 1967.  After two years teaching in Montana, he returned to Washington in 1969, became a US citizen and began teaching at the “new” Centralia High School.  At both schools Ron was instrumental in organizing a cross country team.  “Coach” Smith spent many hours working with his athletes in track, cross country, gymnastics and even football.  He was always extremely proud of his teams and their accomplishments.  He was especially proud to coach his sons on the track team.

            During the last few years of his life, Ron became active in TOPS, Taking Off Pounds Sensibly.  In July he attended the TOPS convention in Montreal and represented the state of Washington as King.  He was very proud of attaining his goal of losing 50 pounds.  In his later years he enjoyed playing golf with friends but never managed to get above the label “duffer”.  For someone who had always excelled at physical ability he found the game to be not only challenging but frustrating.

            Ron always felt a calling to serve His Lord by teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies and small groups and being sensitive to whatever he was called to do.  That spirit was apparent to others. Ron was also a devoted husband and father.  He and his wife, Nancy, met at MSU in 1958 and had celebrated 59 years together in September.  

            Ron is survived by his wife Nancy; son and daughter-in-law Ron and Trisha Smith of Littlerock, Washington; daughter-in-law Jackie Smith of Los Gatos, California; and grandchildren Connor Smith, Hannah Smith and Nolan Smith; sister Marilyn Donald; and several nieces and a nephew. 

             Ron was pre-deceased by his son Randon in 2008.        

            We will be remembering and celebrating Ron’s life on November 2, 2019, at 1:00 at Littlerock Community Fellowship, 11510 Littlerock Road. 

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