Richard J. "Dick" SMITH

11/28/1936 - 09/09/2013

Richard J. "Dick" SMITH obituary, 11/28/1936-09/09/2013, Spokane, WA

BORN

11/28/1936

DIED

09/09/2013

Richard SMITH Obituary

SMITH, Richard J. "Dick" November 28, 1936 - September 9, 2013 R. J. "Dick", was an only child born to Walter and Bernardine Smith in South Gate, CA. He grew up in Compton/Long Beach, CA. He graduated from St. Anthony's High School in 1954. He went on to attend Compton Junior College, Eastern State University and Ball State University with a Doctorate of Education in Psychology. He worked as a Clincial Psychologist at Eastern State Hospital until he retired in 2010. R. J. joined the Air Force in 1960 until his retirement in 1990 as Lieutenant Colonel. His military career was varied and he spent approximately 10 years of it on temporary duty (TDY) in Vietnam. He amassed 506 combat hours, a military record, as a B-52 electronic warfare officer. He developed a love of skiing, learning at the age of 30 and going on to instruct others. He spent most of his weekends skiing at Schweitzer Basin, Idaho. R. J. met his wife, Susan, while stationed in Germany. They married in the Heidleberg Castle in 1976. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Susan, daughter Aislinn Smith of Spokane and son Ryan Smith, Captain USAF stationed at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Parish, 219 E. Rockwood Blvd. (enter on 10th Ave.), on Friday, September 27, at 10:00am with a reception to follow. Interment will be on Monday, September 30, at 10:30am at WA State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spokane Veterans Home, 222 East 5th Ave., Spokane, WA 99202.

Published by Spokesman-Review from Sep. 20 to Sep. 25, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard SMITH

Not sure what to say?





Our hearts go out to RJ's family and
friends.& the B52 Crew. I was one of
the lucky ones that came across all of
them when we we're in our twenties, our
get togethers and skiing at Schweitzer.
RJ will be greatly missed by all.
Chuck Cook & Gena

October 16, 2013

I will kick myself for not staying in touch with you. You were a good friend. I will remember all the ski trips to Schweitzer and the summer hikes up the hill and the run down to get in shape for the coming winter. The Wednesday trips to brew the hot spiced wine for the week end after ski party. The time we rolled the ski mobile on our way to town from the condo. You will be missed my friend.

ron shontell

September 28, 2013

I wasn't fortunate enough to personally meet and shake R.J.'s hand, but when I received word of his illness and passing, the first thing I wanted to do was blow a whistle and yell "TIME OUT!" One of the "legends" from Southeast Asia is no longer with us and I am truly saddened. Condolences to the family and friends.

Steve Creech

September 26, 2013

R.J., a lifelong friend of our RTU staff at Castle, fellow instructor and one of the greatest guys and EWs ever. Enjoy your final flight west old friend.

Derek Detjen

September 25, 2013

Proud to have been on your crew. Admiration and appreciation.

Mark Rhoades

September 25, 2013

RJ, you are now skiing Heaven's powder with the old gang and eating only chocolate chip cookies.
Sarah Seiler

September 23, 2013

RJ you were a great friend to the Seiler's you will be missed.

Mike Seiler

September 23, 2013

A great person has past. A friend of over fifty years has gone beyond.
R I P RJ..

Bob Cook

September 22, 2013

To a good friend from my good friend, you will be missed rest in peace RJ

Phil White

September 20, 2013

We were very saddened to learn about the passing RJ. He was a legend in his own time. He will be missed. Jim and Jeri McGuire

Jieri McGuire

September 20, 2013

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Richard SMITH's name

Memorial Events
for Richard SMITH

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Richard's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard SMITH's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more