Kenneth G. Smick

04/01/1922 - 05/24/2011

SMICK, Kenneth G. "Bud"
(Age 89)

Longtime Endicott farmer, passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at his home. A graveside service with military honors will be held Wednesday, June 1st at 10:00 am at the Endicott Cemetery followed by a memorial service at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11:00 am. Viewing hours will be Friday from 9-4 and Tuesday from 9-4 at Bruning Funeral Home in Colfax. Bud was born April 1, 1922 in Endicott to George and Katherine (Morasch) Smick. He attended Endicott schools where he excelled in basketball and football, graduating in 1940. Bud attended Washington State College on a basketball scholarship and played for Coach Friel. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served abroad as an Aircraft Ordinance Man -" 2nd Class. While serving on board the merchant ship SS Henry Villard Mr. Smick traveled around the world delivering ammunition and raw materials to the men overseas. He was reassigned to Treasure Island where he worked on a Carrier Aircraft Service Unit. His unit came under attack from the Japanese and was bombed two hundred and ninety nine times. While on a two week break in Egypt, Bud had time to see the pyramids and even ride a camel. Previously, while working on her father's ranch, he had met Sylvia Schmick of Diamond, WA and while home on leave from the Navy the couple married December 2, 1944 in Colfax. Bud was soon honorably discharged from the military and returned home to his lovely bride. They settled in Colfax for a few years where he worked for the Whitman County Highway Dept. before moving to the farm near Endicott in 1948. Bud farmed for nearly 40 years before retiring in 1984. He had served on the board of the Endicott Wheat Growers and was also on the Board of Directors for Pioneer Telephone Co. He was an avid Cougar fan and spent many, many years as a Cougar Club member. He loved sports and attended every game he possibly could for WSU and the St. John/Endicott High School as well. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Endicott Gun Club. He was extremely proud of all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved spending time with them and following each in their activities. Bud and Sylvia moved to Colfax about two years ago. His wife of 66 years, Sylvia, survives as well as four children: Glenn (Susan LaLonde) Smick of Endicott, Kenneth W. (Cathy), Spokane, Carol (David) Gordon, Walla Walla and Annette (Pat) Smith of Troy, ID; six grandchildren, Brian, Kari, Aaron, Jason, Kendal, and Daniel and four great-grandchildren, Paityn, J.D., Makenna and Raelynn; also surviving is his brother, Robert Smick of Spokane. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Lucille Natwick. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Endicott EMTs, Trinity Lutheran Church or the St. John Golf & Country Club. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com. BRUNING FUNERAL HOME, COLFAX , is caring for the family.