Richard McHale Smith

Born December 25, 1930 in Seattle, WA, passed away peacefully at home with his family on December 17, 2013 after a short illness. Dad was known to many as Digger, Smitty, Smith, Dick the Smith, RM Smith. He grew up in Portland, OR and attended school there, as well as Marymount Military School in Tacoma, WA. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1948 and served four years active duty as a Senior Aircraft Mechanic for Alaska Air Command during the Korean War and then as a Reservist into the 1960's. He attended the University of Washington Dentistry Program in the 1950's and then later began driving city bus in Seattle which lead to his career with Greyhound where he retired after 35 years. He married Diane and had three daughters. He later married Irma and had one son. He is survived by his children, Debbie Brunette (Edward), Danielle Wallgren (Erik), Darci Becker (Karl) and Rich Smith (Tina). He is also survived by many grandchildren: Devyn (Tim), Joshua, Elyssa, Zackary, Jacob, Hannah, Nathan, Logan, Sjersten, Megan, and Taylor; two great-grandchildren, Kayla and Emma; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; three sisters and one brother. Dad's greatest pleasures in life were spending time with his family, flying his Cessna in his younger years, going to airshows, hunting, bowling, softball, Seahawks games, rarely missed a grandchild's sporting event, working in his yard, tinkering in his garage, camping, especially at the ocean. He loved watching the birds in his yard. He especially loved his dog, Jack, who preceded him in death just a few months ago, and his cat, Boots, who is now being cared for by his grandson, Logan. The family would like to extend their utmost appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Elizabeth Morrison and Dr. Bessie Young of the VA for the special care they provided to Dad and our family. We will be forever grateful to them for their compassion. In addition, we are also thankful for the wonderful care provided by Dad's hospice nurse, Janine Hurn of Evergreen Health. With her loving guidance, we were able to care for Dad in his home of 34 years until his death, which was his wish. Funeral services will be at Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills, 409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood, WA on Saturday, December 28, 2013. Visitation for family and friends and viewing pictures from 11:00 a.m. to Noon; service at Noon with graveside service at 1:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will follow at his home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Salvation Army, Dad's favorite charity.