Whitney "Ryan" Smith

Thirty-seven-year-old Ryan Smith was born February 6, 1979, in Tacoma, Washington. He passed away after a heart attack on Saturday, June 18, 2016, in Centralia, Washington. He lived in Centralia, and spent time growing up in Olympia, Washington, and parts of North Carolina and Florida. Ryan was a 1997 graduate of Capital High School in Olympia, and held a Bachelor of Management degree from Centralia College (class of 2014). Ryan married the love of his life, Kalea Norman, on October 18, 2008. He worked for Centralia School District. Ryan had a genuine love for life and touched many with his infectious smile, jokes and servant’s heart. He especially had a huge heart for kids and was happiest when working with youth and mentoring them through the schools, sports and church. That might be because, at heart, Ryan was a big kid himself! He recently wrapped up coaching his son Parker’s first season of T-ball, and was looking forward to the teaching and coaching opportunities in the school year ahead. Ryan had decided it was time to take his work with youth a step further. He was in the process of returning to school to get his master’s in education, to teach in the special education program. Ryan did not just love coaching sports, he was an avid fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines, Atlanta Braves, and Seattle Mariners and Seahawks. He enjoyed playing fantasy sports teams, and made sure to pick the right team by constantly monitoring and memorizing sport stats. Ryan loved to host parties for his friends and family to enjoy the game together. Ryan also faithfully and joyfully served his church. He was giddy when he’d get a call asking him to serve his church family in another way. He helped with the youth summer sports, adult recreational sports, missions and hospitality programs. Friends and extended family were so very important to Ryan. He was the driving force in making sure those he loved spent quality time together. If he hadn’t seen someone for a while, he’d call them up and say so, followed with an invite to connect. Often that meant getting together for two of his favorite things – food and board games. It was clear to everyone Ryan came in contact with that he loved his family more than anything. It’s been noted by many that Ryan had a very special, tender, sweet love that radiated for Kalea and Parker. Pictures show him full of pride and smiles as he looked at the two of them from across a room. He talked about them to anyone who would listen. Ryan was a man who loved God, his family, friends, kids, sports, humor and fun. We will always remember, honor and love him, and celebrate the full, blessed, joyful life he lived. Ryan was survived by his wife, Kalea (Norman) Smith, and four-year-old son, Parker Smith, both of Centralia; mother, Shawn Long of Centralia; brother, Bradley Guise of Olympia; brother, Spencer Guise of Olympia; brother, Josh Smith of New York City; sister, Kimberly Moss of Candler, North Carolina; grandmother, Betty Long of Puyallup, Washington; great grandmother, Pat Carver and step-mom, Lisa Smith, both of Centre, Alabama; and many cousins, aunts, uncles and in-laws. Ryan was preceded in death by his two fathers, Ralph Smith and Roger Guise; and by his grandfather, Hugh Long. Memorial donations may be made to a GoFundMe account that was set up in support of Kalea and Parker at http://gofundme.com/2ahh4pw. Please leave memories of Ryan or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.