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Longtime Anchorage resident Richard Jay "Dick" Smith, 65, died of cancer August 28, 2012, at his home surrounded by family.
A funeral will be held Tuesday, September 4th, 4 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, Eighth Avenue and F Street. The Venerable Norman H.V. Elliot will officiate.
Dick was born Oct. 9th, 1946 to Walter W. and Nellie M. Smith, in Sunnyside, Washington. He graduated from Lyle High School in Lyle, Washington, in 1965. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 1965. He attained the rank of Sergeant E5. After completing basic training at Fort Ord, California, he was transferred to Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He then was assigned to Bamberg, Germany as an Atomic Demolition Munitions Technician where he served until he was honorably discharged in 1968. Dick remained in the Army in reserve status until 1971.
In 1974 Dick accepted a transfer with Cummins Diesel Northwest and moved to Anchorage. He was later employed by Computerland, Network Business Systems and served as District Manager with Frontier Business Systems/Konica Minolta beginning in 2002 and until the time of his death. He met his wife Patricia "PJ" in September of 1977. It was "love at first sight" and they married on November 18th, 1977.
Dick was valued and well known in the hockey community for his relentless support of programs. Youth Hockey was a favorite! He served as Secretary (1993-94) and President (1994-2002) of the Alaska State Hockey Association. He also served as Alaska's representative in the Pacific District of USA Hockey during these years. During the years 2002-2005 Dick served as Vice-President of the USA Hockey Adult Council. Dick also supported hockey at the college level. He served as President of the UAA Blueliner Club during 1988-1991, and was a member of that Board for some 25 years. In 1997 he was awarded the Brush Christiansen Trailblazer Award. Dick and PJ, as 25-year ticket holders, enjoyed many, many games at the arena.
His family wrote: Dick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished all of the friends he made during his 38 years living in Alaska. Along with his love of Hockey he also enjoyed woodworking, house remodeling and camping in Chicken, Alaska, with family and "his people," a term he lovingly used to describe his dear friends. Dick was known for his fairness and "can do" attitude. One of his favorite questions to anyone struggling with a large problem was "How do you eat an Elephant?" Answer: "One bite at a time." Dick was a very caring person and gave of himself in many ways. He provided moral support for many hockey players in times of need, as well as means for them to attend programs, practices, and tournaments. He was an extremely generous person, willing to share with those who needed a little extra help. His door was always open!
Dick is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 35 years Patricia J. Smith of Anchorage, Alaska; daughter Kimberly S. "Candy" Carlson of Anchorage, Alaska; son and daughter-in-law Jay W. and Shannon M. Smith; grandchildren Jay K. and Stella M. Smith; brother and sister-in-law Mike and Santa Smith of San Antonio, Texas; sister Pat Richardson of Hazel Dell, Wash.; Aunt Catherine Waller of Vancouver, Wash.; cousins Mary Strebig of California and Cola Crouse in Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by parents Walter W. and Nellie M. Smith.
One of Dick's favorite verses by his good friend Mike McDonald was: "There will be peace in the world, there will be peace in the world someday. There will be peace in the world, Peace when the children have their say."
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in support of UAA Hockey and mailed to: UAA Athletics, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Ak 99508.
Published in adn.com from September 1 to September 2, 2012
