Craig Smart

Craig was born on October 19th, 1946 in Yakima, Washington to Evett Ellsworth and Mae (Craig) Smart. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. When he was 10, his family relocated to the Portland area, where he attended Vestal and Concord Elementary schools, and graduated from Milwaukie High School in 1965. After high school he went to Culver City Bible School for 1 year and then to Portland State University, where he earned his BS, graduating in 1970. He married the love of his life, Kathy Pegnone on July 24, 1971 in Portland. For the last 9 years he worked for Daimler Trucks North America (for formerly Freightliner) as a parts analyst.

Since 1993, Craig and Kathy have attended Eastgate Bible Chapel, where he served as an elder and helped on the finance team. His ministry at Eastgate also included mentoring and caring for other members.

Craig enjoyed the outdoors, often camping with his family in Hood River and hiking the Wallowa Mountains. He was also athletic, having played on the church softball team up until last year. He was always up for a potluck and had quite the sweet tooth, indulging in his favorite desserts: berry pie and root beer floats.

Craig was an amazing person and a man of integrity, having been shaped by a lifelong relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He will be remembered as humorous, humble, kind, caring, and generous. He will be missed very much by all whose lives he touched.

He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Jeralee (Smart) Clark and is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Kathy; children, Andrew (Amber) Smart, Peter (Beth) Smart, and Jessica (Matt) Elliott; sister, Linda Smart; grandchildren: Zachary Smart, Christopher Smart, Amelia Smart, Eli Smart and one baby boy, Spencer Ryder Craig Elliot who was born on September 12th.

Contributions can be made in Craig's name to Eagle Fern Camp (37700 SE Camp Rd. Estacada, OR 97023) in support of ministry to children of all ages, or to

Legacy Hopewell House (6171 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland, OR 97239) for the love, compassion and care given to Craig during the final days of his illness.

On this site, please take a moment to share memories and/or reflections of how Craig touched your life.