Glenn Smith

On the morning of December 1st, Glenn passed away at home surrounded by his family. Glenn battled against Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) for more than 3 years, a disease that first changes your personality. Despite this, Glenn remained loving and committed to his family throughout his struggles. His favorite phrase was “I love you more…obviously”.

Glenn Smith was born in Monterrey, Mexico on September 5, 1960. He was a second child, and a first son, to Shirley Jean Johnson (Ellison) and Robert Ford Smith. Glenn lived in Mexico, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela before he even started school. His parents divorced when Glenn was a child and he moved to California with his mother. Glenn and his two sisters, Stacy Elizabeth Smith and Lisa Jean Cardenas spent most summers growing up visiting their father in Venezuela. His sister Lisa said “It used to be the three of us against the world.” The family continued to move around, to Indiana and eventually settling in Oregon when Glenn was 15. He was a adventuresome, fun loving child. His mother recollects when she told him not to cross the highway, “He found a way to go under it.”

Glenn served in the Navy from 1980 to 1984 primarily on the USS Cape Cod, a destroyer tender. Glenn often told stories of his port stops in Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. He earned a special certificate of thanks from the people of Indonesia for using his valuable portside leave to help with one of their ships. Glenn voluntarily and honorably left the service after 4 years.

On September 22, 1984 Glenn married Kim Lee DeClerck. Nicole Elizabeth was born on March 9, 1985. She quickly had her father wrapped around her little finger. His little family was complete when his son, Mychal Robert, was born on June 30, 1987. Glenn was committed to his family, working swing and night shifts most of his career so his children always had a parent around. He attended all of their special events, including coaching his daughter throughout her fast pitch softball career.

Glenn spent the majority of his 40’s learning new skills or teaching his kids how to become well rounded adults. Every Sunday his children would come over and try a new recipe that Glenn cooked and created lasting memories. He would spend many evenings reading a history novel or watching the news. He was an avid Oakland Raiders fan, which he passed down to his son. Whether he was having an in depth conversation with Nikki about world politics or playing golf with Mychal, everything he did was for family. Glenn was able to see Nikki and Mychal happily married and was able to enjoy his two granddaughters before his passing.

Everything Glenn did was for his family, but he believed the most important relationship in a family was that of the husband and wife. Kim and Glenn created the ultimate love story through hard work and unconditional love. He wrote her love letters and did everything in his power to make her happy. They had many wonderful adventures together and their life was filled with laughter until the very end. Glenn will be truly missed by many.