Hank E. Smith

Henry (Hank) E. Smith died Sunday February 10th, 2019 at his home in Kent WA, after a long fight with colon cancer. Hank was born August 12th, 1962.  He was raised in Shelby where he took several years of piano lessons and played drums in high school.   Hank received his GED in 1980 and then joined the Army on the Buddy System with his two best friends, Rory Mallo and John Guardipee.  He went to Jump School and became a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division.

After the military, Hank moved to Seattle where he washed windows on the tall skyscrapers. He was not afraid of heights!

Hank went on to have his own professional painting and pressure washing business. He ran his business for several years and then went to work for Evergreen Wood Restoration.  Hank said that Kreg Koelling was the best boss he ever had!

Hank was a talented pianist and played keyboards for 'X35", "Nasty Habits" and his own band, “Stiff Kitty”.

Hank is preceded in death by his grandparents, Vernon and Frances Smith; Uncle Bruce of Galata; his grandparents, Rawlin and Betty Zell; Uncle Hank and Aunt Wanda Zell of Shelby; his Aunt Colette and cousin Brent Zimmerman of Wolf Point; and his niece, Alicia Ann West of Great Falls.

Hank is survived by his parents, Lawrence and Lucile Smith of Great Falls; sisters, Danna (James) Pelletier of Bozeman and Esther (Gary) Arnst of Valier; Uncle Jerry and Aunt Sue Smith and Uncle Steve and Aunt Helen Leck of Galata; and many cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 18, at 2:00 PM at Galata Cemetery.

Please send memorials to Disabled Veterans or American Cancer Society.