Oliver "Harry" Smith

Oliver “Harry” Smith Oliver “Harry” Smith was born in Oxford, Colorado on May 21, 1930 to Raymond C. and Marion (Robinson) Smith. He and his brother Raymond C. Smith Jr. moved with their parents to the Northwest in 1942. After living in Springfield, Eugene, and Portland, Oregon, they settled in Rochester, Washington in 1946. Harry graduated from Rochester High School in 1947. Harry married Norma Sorrell on February 22, 1948 and together they raised four sons, Oliver “Harry” Smith Jr., Michael S. Smith, Kenneth R. Smith, and Donald D. Smith. After 56 years of marriage, Norma passed away in 2004. Harry and longtime family friend, Opal Danielson, found a bond in their love of traveling and spending time with family. They enjoyed several cruises and trips to the East Coast together. They were married on February 14, 2010 until Opal passed away in late 2010. He is preceded in death by his brother, Ray; his son, Ken; and his granddaughter, Stacy Olivia Smith. One of his first jobs was picking berries at the age of seven and he worked in many different areas until he found a position at the Washington State Department of Transportation. He retired from the DOT and found himself with more time to pursue his hobbies and interests. Harry was an avid nature lover. He enjoyed backpacking with his boys when they were young and he continued the tradition of family backpacking trips for decades. He could often be found identifying plants, animal tracks, birds, and rocks. His passion for learning about nature was a constant throughout his life and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with those around him, especially children. For the last 12 years, one of his favorite annual family events was camping trips to the Klickitat River. As recent as last July, Harry spent several days on the Klickitat, enjoying the company of family and friends. Sports were another important interest of Harry’s. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball when his sons were participating. His love of baseball continued and his favorite professional team was the Seattle Mariners. Harry would listen to them on the radio, watch them when televised, and attend games at Safeco field whenever he could. His other favorite sport was college basketball and he was a fan of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, even traveling by train to Los Angeles to attend the Pac-12 basketball play-offs one year. He spent many enjoyable days on the golf course and for several years coordinated a family golf tournament. Harry was also a fierce competitor in lawn darts and almost every gathering included a tournament. But Harry’s biggest love in his life was his family. He found great joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family included many friends who came into his life and were forever a part of the Smith “clan.” He was known as “Papa” to many in the family and will be remembered by all who knew him as someone who always had time to help someone in need. Harry will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and love for his family. Whether it was laughing at the antics of a grandchild, cheering for a home run by Ken Griffey Jr., or marveling at the miracle of the complex ecosystem of the Olympic Rainforest, Harry found joy in the world around him. His family is honoring his life at Swede Hall on March 9, 2013 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. His favorite part of any meal, dessert, will be provided by the family. Please bring any photos or memories to share. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Rochester Fire Department in his name. “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction.” Bessie A. Stanley, 1905 essay titled “Success” Please leave memories of Oliver or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.