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ERNEST SMITH Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for ERNEST SMITH
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Tom Taylor
May 4, 2020
Don was a true friend and Marine graduate for Quantico Basic school 3=55, when in Japan at Camp Fuji, Don and I headed up a squad hopefully to play for a championship in Hawaii, Unfortunately our season was cancelled as the Chinese crossed over into Burma and then Marines thought we 13 players could stop them, so that was the end of our thoughts Semper Fi Marine
Chris Collier
November 26, 2015
I have the best memories from my Junior high basket ball teams. You pushed us and it was great. It was so exciting. Thanks Coach. You were the best:). I had a great BB coach in high school also. Very Lucky.
Troy Barnett
October 6, 2015
Coach Smith was always a fair man. He was my junior high school P.E. teacher. He always had my respect and admiration. He was a great teacher.
Ron Champ
January 9, 2015
Coach made a positive and lasting impact on my brothers and I.I am sorry to hear of his passing. May he Rest in Peace.
Mary Lee Hampton Moeny
January 7, 2015
I never played under Coach Smith. He was simply "the COACH" during my high school years (1959-1963). He was more than a coach. He along with a few others embodied what it meant to be a teacher, that is, you taught, encouraged, disciplined fairly, lived a lifestyle of integrity. It with as an honor to have known him.
Linds Elrod-Johnson
January 6, 2015
Coach Smith was my first husband, Marlin Elrod coach, mentor and personal friend, that was a Father figure to him while at Chowchilla High School and all through his lifetime. I was his babysitter for a summer and felt he was more family then friend. He was and will always be remembered for the kindness and encouragement he gave Marlin and all students during our high school years. We were the class of 1963, we dedicated our year book to Coach Smith. My first husband passed away from a brain tumor at the age of 28 years old. I know that Coach Smith and Marlin has had a great reunion in Heaven. May God Bless Coach Smith's family and friends. " Gone But Never Forgotten".
Dave Dennis
December 27, 2014
Coach Smith was my jr high basketball coach at Ahwahnee in 1972/1973 , I was not that good but Coach believed in me and helped me out on and off the court to be a better player and person , one time he made me practice a lay up on the outdoor court at Ahwahnee until he saw me make it , the next game he called me over to the bench during the game while the other team was taking a free throw , I was confused as he didn't say anything as I stood there , as soon as the player missed the free throw he yelled at our center to get the rebound and pass the ball to me as he was designing a play to get me the ball for a lay up at the other end of the court !! I made the shot and remember the smile on his face . I'll never forget Coach Smith as he was a great man and I will always remember that game . Rest in peace Coach Smith and God bless his family. Dave Dennis and family
Joyce & Stan Huff
December 24, 2014
Don was my "high school sweetheart" in Burley, Idaho in 1948-50, and has been a wonderful friend since then. He was a remarkable man and Stan and I loved him dearly. I will miss letters and staying in touch. May Don's family know how deeply he was loved, and may they find comfort and peace.
Ray Johns
December 22, 2014
Coach Smith my thoughts rely with your family...and all who appreciated the leadership you brought to Chowchilla high school you were an asset...may you find peace in eternity
David Aldag
December 22, 2014
the BEST example of what a coach and a teacher should be...privileged to have been at Ahwahnee and played for him. my sympathies to Celeste and Coach's whole family...
Bennie Curutchet
December 22, 2014
COACH
You were the one to go to when you had problems. Your name is always brought up in the discusssion of favorite teachers... Rip Coach
Randy Nelson
December 21, 2014
Never forget Coach Smith, as he ref'd our High Scool games. Always fair, always a gentleman, and an all around nice guy. We nick named him "Arms", because he was always in great shape.
RIP Coach, Gid Bless. Randy Nelson.
December 21, 2014
December 21,2014
You were like a brother. Thanks for the many trips you made to Burley, Idaho to visit with us. Good memories playing basketball with me for the Burley Bobcats. Our prays are with the family.
Ted, Rae and Shelly Smith
Ronald Scott
December 21, 2014
Will never forget you.
Ronald Scott
December 21, 2014
Deeply respected. So glad I had the chance to participate in his life. One of the 2 teachers I talked about the most.
December 20, 2014
Fond USMC memories of our times together. Our thoughts are with the family.
John E. Lockie Lt Col USMC (Ret)
Scott & Vera Mae Loveland
December 19, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Susan Montiel
December 19, 2014
You were my advisory teacher in 7th grade Coach??You were so inspiring and encouraging. I'm grateful to have seen you a couple of years ago??????I truly hope your family will get through this time of grieving and find comfort in the many memories you all have shared????I will always be forever grateful to have had a teacher/Coach like you.???
RIP Coach Smith. Fly with the angels??????
Tom Smith
December 19, 2014
Hey Don, you will be missed! Enjoyed the officiating. You were an excellent basketball ref. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
December 19, 2014
December 19, 2014
For all the MANY FREINDS in BURLEY, IDAHO, you will be remembered as always. We will miss you and our prayers are with your family.
Ted and Rae Smith Burley, Idaho
Diane Perez
December 19, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Coach Smith. He was an awesome teacher/coach. Sending prayers to his family!
Andrea Wasson
December 19, 2014
Love you, Uncle Don. We will miss you.
Steve Perry
December 19, 2014
What a great inspiration for all who would follow him in education and coaching. RIP my friend and fellow educator. Because, Coach Sez!
Cheri (McDonald) Beasley
December 19, 2014
SO sorry to hear this! Celeste, praying for You to be surrounded by family and friends during this time. May you feel God's love even in the midst of your great loss!
Larnell Brown
December 19, 2014
Coach Smith was a great man, our father figure and role model away from home. Someone we looked up to as a leader and an educator. Coach Smith taught me many lessons of life, fitness and nutrition that I curre use today. Coach, you'll be greatly missed. RIP.
Michael Audelo
December 19, 2014
I was in his first class at Ahwahnee and was immediately impressed by his genuine concern to all his students. He set such a wonderful example in helping grow young people.
Diana Crain (Smelser)
December 19, 2014
Praying for coach Smith's family during this difficult time. He as a great man and mentor to all the kids at Ahwahnee.
Kerry Wiles
December 19, 2014
Uncle Don was a sweet and giving man. He was genuine and loving to all who knew him.
December 19, 2014
My family has such fond memories of Coach Smith. He was both a long time mentor and friend to our family. We admired Coach for his devotion and support of the many lives he touched. We will miss his presence in our lives, but will always cherish our wonderful memories of him.
We love you Coach!
Oscar Dragon and Family
Tom Champ
December 19, 2014
"Coach Smith's" lessons and legacy live on in all of us who have had the pleasure of having known him. Rest in peace, Coach.
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