Don Smith

Donald Ray Smith, 79, died on November 24, 2022, in Conrad.  He was the husband of Patricia Smith and they shared 14 years together.

Born in Bakersfield, CA on April 29, 1943, he was one of six children and the only son of Ernest and Lucy Smith.  He graduated from Arvin High School in 1960.  One to never shy away from a hard day’s work, he helped on the family farm, crop dusted for the State of Ca, served as a foreman for the Maricopa Water District, and more.  Years of exposure to asbestos led to his semi-retirement and move to Montana in 1997.

He was an avid deer hunter. He found great joy in the off-season planning for the next year’s hunting adventures with his long-time hunting partner, Jill Seymour. Don relished when his children and their families came to his home each Fall to join him on a hunt. He will be remembered for his endless jokes, love of a cocktail with friends, and dedication to the San Francisco 49ers.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his sisters, Shirley (decd. Bob) Harrington, Jan (Danny) Hendricks, Tonia (Steve) Wickum; his children; Dawn (Mark) Augustine, Toni (Bob) Stevenson, Matthew (Robin) Smith and Torey (Dave) Battuello; and eight grandchildren, Bryson, Jaymee, Riley, Reece, Harper, Skylar, Case, and Alessa.  He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Thelma Brown, Ernestine Mader, and Wanda Gibson.

An informal gathering will be held to celebrate his life at the Conrad Moose Lodge on December 3rd at 3 pm.