Obituary of Rickard Courtney Smith

Rick died peacefully in the arms of his wife, Lydia, on January 12, 2022, in Olympia, Washington, after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma Cancer.

He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 26, 1947, to Keith and Donna Smith, who currently live in Yakima, Washington. He graduated from Granite High School, earned his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Utah, and MPA at the University of Washington. He recently retired from a long career with Washington Department of Transportation. His career spanned radio broadcasting, interior design, and public administration.

Besides spending time with his family and friends, Rick enjoyed fly fishing, and treasured time in his woodshop making beautiful crafts he shared with family and friends. Rick celebrated the life of the mind; he was well read, loved learning, and enthusiastically appreciated music. He had a special love for western Montana and Yellowstone, and he was at home in the natural world.

Rick is remembered for sacrificing for his family, and never giving up, always finding hope, enjoyment, and meeting life’s challenges.

He is survived by his wife, Lydia; children, Zac (Haley), Courtney Jakubowski (Chad) and Logan (Bonita); two granddaughters, Summer Smith and Zadie Jakubowski; his parents, Keith and Donna; and his four brothers, Kirk (Leesa), Jeff (Kathleen), Brad (Irene) and Cory (Lisa).

Family requests donations be made to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

 

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