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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.
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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
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