Richard Smith

Richard Lynn Smith passed away at his home surrounded by his wife and family September 8, 2010 following a long, courageous battle with cancer. Richard was born July 8, 1940 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the second son to George Stanford Smith and Martha Maxine Reading Smith. The family lived first in Ammon, then in Montana before settling on a farm in 1945 in Coltman – just seven miles north of Idaho Falls. He attended school in Fairview, Bonneville Junior High School at Ucon, and graduated from Bonneville High School in 1958. He was involved in wrestling, football, and Future Farmers of America. He served as president of the Bonneville Booster Club from 1978 to 1980. Richard married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Nelson, on July 17, 1959 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They are the parents of five sons and one daughter: Richard Bradley (Sherie), Michael Lynn (Kayla), Terrell Nelson (deceased), Paul Ryan (Rebecca), Kristine (Robert) Trejo, and Evan Matthew (Shannon). Richard loved the outdoors. He enjoyed horse pack trips with family and friends and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He prided himself in having hiked Table Rock 39 times – beginning as a 12 year-old scout and then leading many scouts and young women to the top, including all of his children and his wife. An Alaskan fishing trip taken in 2006 was a dream fulfilled with his sons and grandsons. Richard was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Elders Quorum Presidency, High Priest Group Leadership, Ward and Stake Sunday School Presidencies, as well as Scout Master, Ward Activity Leader, and as a leader in the Young Men Organization. He and Carolyn served together as Stake Missionaries. His lifetime work of farming began when he was just fourteen working for other farmers. In 1969, he bought a farm of his own in Coltman. The operation included at different times: a dairy, ranch, and feedlot. He also served on the Winkler Canal Board for many years. Richard’s family was his life. Whether it was farming, hunting, or attending the ballgames, concerts, art shows, or playing “hide-and-seek” with the grandchildren, he always wanted to be there. No matter what the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were involved in, Richard was there to support them. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, his four sons and one daughter and also by 19 grandchildren, 11great-grandchildren, his brothers Gary, Roger, and Steven, and his sister JoAn Nichols. Those who preceded him in death include his son Terrell, granddaughter Lindsay, his parents, and his brothers Stanford and Kent. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, September 13, 2010 at the Coltman LDS 2nd Ward (12448 North 5th East) with Bishop Dennis Love officiating. The family will visit with friends on Sunday evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 North Ridge Avenue) and 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.