Leroy W. Smith

September 21, 1941 – March 27, 2021

Leroy Warren Smith was born September 21,1941, the youngest of three sons to (George) Raymond and (Alice) Wilma Smith of Corbett, Oregon. Raised in Corbett, Leroy was a proud fourth generation “local.” Student Body President of Corbett High School his senior year, Leroy was also a standout athlete who excelled in track, basketball and football. He was selected to play in the Shriner’s East-West All-Star game as quarterback, and went on to play basketball for a season at Portland State University where he took business classes. He left PSU to join family-owned Columbia Telephone, and at a young age also became involved as a volunteer firefighter with the Corbett Fire District. As a mainstay in the family business, he worked at everything from lineman to the business office manager. Following the merger of Columbia Telephone with another phone company, Leroy sold his share of the business and purchased and operated Pounder Oil for five years. In 1980 he moved to Eastern Oregon near Baker City, raising wheat and cattle ranching. During that time, he was instrumental in starting a volunteer fire department, where he served as the inaugural Chief of the Baker Rural Fire Protection District. Leroy moved back to Corbett in 1989, working to help manage family-owned timber properties, overseeing the Howard Canyon rock quarry, and again raising cattle.

Leroy was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors. His passion for his cattle was unparalleled, many of whom he knew by name and lineage. He was involved with the Corbett Fire District for 60 years, serving in many capacities and most recently as Chairman of the Board. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oregon Volunteer Firefighter Association. Leroy also served the community as a member of Kiwanis, Corbett’s Pioneer Association, and the Northeast Multnomah County Community Association.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, and his spouse Patricia “Patti” Smith whom he married in 1980. He is survived by his brothers Curtis and Albert Smith. He was married to Sharon Andersen from 1960 to 1980, and is survived by their three children, Melanie Smith of Corbett, Jeffrey Smith and his wife Cindy, of Corbett, Valerie Davis and her husband Jay, of Corbett, six grandchildren, Jordan, Jenna and Connor Smith, Kylie Pomante and Tanner Davis, Mackenzie Ann White, and three great grandchildren, Evelyn, Avery and Parker. He is also survived by his stepson Chad Marmolejo and his wife, Amber, their two children Iris and Paige; and his stepdaughter Shannon Marmolejo.

Above all else, Leroy was a much beloved father and grandfather, who loved spending time with family and friends. His ability to engage people and tell stories is legendary, and spreading laughter and smiles came naturally to him, no matter where he was. His presence will be greatly missed in his family, and the Corbett community. Leroy was laid to rest at Mt. View Corbett Cemetery in a private ceremony.

A Celebration of Leroy's Life memorial gathering will be on Saturday, June 5th at 1:00 p.m. at Camp Howard, 11010 SE Camp Howard Rd. in Corbett and will be open to the community.