Smith, Richard Roland

Birth Name Smith, Richard Roland
Nick Name Dick
Gender male
Age at Death 83 years, 10 months, 17 days

Narrative

Richard R. Smith

Richard Roland Smith was born November 29, 1925 in Gate, Washington, the second of five sons to Floyd and Agnes (Lincoln) Smith. He passed away October 16, 2009, at Roo-Lan Healthcare Center with family by his side.

Richard’s father was killed in a logging accident before his youngest brother was born. With a widowed mother during the Great Depression, all the boys worked to support the household. Richard ran trap lines, fished, and did many other jobs to supplement the family income.

After he graduated from high school, Richard served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II in Europe. He worked for Texaco for over 25 years starting in Rochester and then Olympia, where he had a station on 4th Street near Martin Way. He finished his career as a mechanic at the Washington State Patrol and retired in 1992.

He married Carolyn Bradley in 1953 and later divorced. They have two children Cheri (Tipton) and Scott.

He married Norma Jean Von Bargen on September 5, 1985.

Many knew and loved “Dick” as an avid outdoorsman and one of the finest fishermen ever to pick up a rod. He had a “sixth sense” about fish, and a wealth of fishing knowledge that he shared freely with others—especially his grandkids. He also loved digging razor clams and picking wild blackberries.

Richard had a hearty laugh, and he used it often; he relished a good practical joke, whether he was the recipient or the perpetrator. He was a gentle man and especially fond of children and animals, who returned his affections.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Floyd. He is survived by his wife, Norma, in the family home; brothers Gilbert of Seattle, and Marion (Maxine) and Eugene (Carolyn) of Olympia; daughter Cheri (Keith) Tipton, Olympia; son Scott (Lynn) Smith, Lawrenceville, Georgia; step-sons Michael (Ellen) Corke, Steve (Wanda) Corke, Tim Corke, Scott (Pat) McLain, John (Carrie) McLain; numerous grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.

Memorial services will be held at Funeral Alternatives in Tumwater, Washington, on Friday, October 23rd at 11:30 am. There will be visitation on Thursday, at Funeral Alternatives from 4 – 8 pm. Private burial at Mills and Mills.

Events

Event Date Place Description Sources
Birth November 29, 1925 Gate, Thurston, Washington, USA    
Death October 16, 2009 Lacey, Thurston, Washington, USA    

Parents

Relation to main person Name Birth date Death date Relation within this family (if not by birth)
Father Smith, Floyd
Mother Lincoln, Agnes
         Smith, Richard Roland November 29, 1925 October 16, 2009
    Brother     Smith, Floyd
    Brother     Smith, Gilbert
    Brother     Smith, Marion
    Brother     Smith, Eugene

Families

Family of Smith, Richard Roland and Bradley, Carolyn

Married Wife Bradley, Carolyn ( * + ... )
   
Event Date Place Description Sources
Marriage 1953      
  Children
Name Birth Date Death Date
Smith, Cheri
Smith, Scott

Family of Smith, Richard Roland and Von Bargen, Norma Jean

Married Wife Von Bargen, Norma Jean ( * August 28, 1933 + January 6, 2016 )
   
Event Date Place Description Sources
Marriage September 5, 1985      

Family Map

Family Map