Dale Marlin Smith

Dale Marlin Smith, 78, passed peacefully Jan. 18, 2008 following a brave battle against lung cancer. He was born May 26, 1929 in Duluth, the son of Frank and Anna (Soderin) Smith. He was brother to Frank Smith Jr. Hewas raised in Duluth, where Dale graduated in 1948 from Duluth Central High School. After graduating high school Dale entered the Army National Guard where he served as a radar technician. He left the National Guard after attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He married Joyce Marie Leste Sept. 8, 1956. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; infant daughter, Debra; and stepson, Richard Walsh. He is the beloved father to Michael (Jennifer) Smith, Gregory Smith, Brian Smith, Jeffrey Smith, Melissa (Mark) Sparlin, and Steven Smith. He is grandfather to Bradley, Adam, Kevin, Megan, Tyler, Jarrett, Lydia, and Andrew. He was extremely proud of all his children and grandchildren. Dale enjoyed time spent with his family and relished taking his family on trips and vacations. He was employed with ITT/FEC for over 25 years where he served as a radar technician and leader. He spent several years on the Distant Early Warning System (DEW line) on Baffin Island, north of the Arctic Circle, as a radician. Following that, his skills and knowledge brought him to Vandenberg AFB where he served in capacity with range operations and telemetry within the missile industry. He served at site leader for range systems at Pillar Point, California where he was site leader for the G-band radars tracking missiles launched off VAFB. Dale will be missed by all who knew him. Dale especially wanted to thank those at the Lompoc Senior Nutrition Program for their service and friendship. CELEBRATION OF LIFE:1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, 2008 in the Lompoc Valley Community Center, 1501 East Ocean Avenue, Lompoc, CA 93436 (at the corner of East Ocean and 7th Street). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lompoc Senior Nutrition Program via Lompoc Parks and Recreation Department, 125 W. Walnut Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436. For further information, please call Melissa 805-478-3671. Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.