Richard Wayne Smith

Richard Wayne Smith went to heaven on April 17, 2025. A graveside service will be held at Glen Oaks Memorial Park on Saturday May 3, 2025, at 1:30pm. Richard was born on June 5, 1945. He is survived by his daughter Shannon Griffith, son-in-law David Griffith, grandchildren (who knew him as Papa) Dominic, Gianna, Lucas, Alexandria and Chanel, one great-grandson Dante, daughter Mendy Lowe, dog Chloe, brother-in-law Glenn Berglund (Sue), brother-in-law Craig Berglund (Sherri), sister-in-law Julie (Steven). Preceded in death by his loving wife Michelle Berglund-Smith and his parents Wayne and Dorothy Smith. Rich was born in Alameda and raised in Chico for most of his life. After he graduated from Chico High, class of 1963, he worked as a surveyor and then he enlisted with the National Guards. After at- tending Butte College and graduating from Chico State, he began his lifelong career in agriculture. At Alkop Farms he was the farm manager of the Kiwi company, and this is where he met the love of his life, Michelle. Richard then he went on to nut buying with Dole, Spycher, North Valley Nut and finally Carrier Farms and Riverwest. In between his agriculture career, he also periodically taught at Chico State in the ag department. At a young age Rich joined a band. He loved music, dancing and took anyone up on stepping in for the drummer of another band. His passion for hunting is like no other as he enjoyed duck, pheasant, goose and deer hunting. One of his favorite things to was teaching children and adults how to hunt and do it safely. The best times were many days at his rice ranch and the old rail house enjoying the company of so many friends and family. Fishing was almost a daily activity, and it was either at his household pond, Butte Creek (“crick”), local rivers, lakes Philbrook reservoir, and Alaska and Cabo. He raised emus, turkeys, chickens, and a sheep. Rich was on the board of the Durham Mutual Water District, an active member of the Exchange Club, the Elks, California Water Fowl Association, and the NRA. He loved his wife, his daughters, his grandchildren, his dogs, his friends, and family. At the end of al- most every day, he sat at his pond and watched the sunset. To know him, was to love him, he will be deeply missed. Charitable donations can be made in his name to Enloe Cancer Center. Arrangements entrusted to Brusie Funeral Home.