Lee A. Smith

1932 - 2011

Major Lee A. Smith, Ret

Oct. 9, 1932 - April 17, 2011

SALEM - Lee passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 17, 2011 surrounded with love from his wife, Judy, daughters, Donna and Beth, and brother, Steve.

Lee was born on October 9, 1932, to Robert and Ruth Smith in Portland, Oregon. He attended grade school and high school in Portland. In 1949, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Air Force as an airman and retired as a major.

While stationed in New Jersey, Lee went on a blind date with Judy Collins and fell in love. Lee and Judy were married on March 14, 1953. They just celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this year. During his years in the Air Force, Lee was stationed at various air bases in New Jersey, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Texas. In addition, he and Judy along with daughter Donna spent 18 months at a radar station in Canada. Lee served was stationed in Thailand during the Viet Nam war. He received the Bronze Star as well as many other ribbons and accommodations for his years of service. He retired from the Air Force in 1975. After retirement, Lee started his own business to help other retiring military personnel transition to private employment. In 1978, Lee, Judy and daughter Beth moved to Salem, Oregon. Lee worked for SAIF Corporation, retiring in 1994.

After retirement from SAIF, Lee and Judy had the opportunity to travel. They would meet their friends Don and Helen Bock at least once a year and travel certain regions of the United States. As history buffs, Lee and Don enjoyed visiting various battlefields and forts throughout the country. They took a memorable trip Europe with the Bocks in 2000. They also enjoyed numerous cruises over the years.

In 1996, Lee and Judy moved to Seaside, Oregon and lived there for 10 years. It was long a dream of Lee's to live at the beach. While there, Lee and Judy made friends with several other couples and they would frequently meet for lunch or dinner and to celebrate special occasions. They fondly called themselves the "Geezer's Club."

Lee and Judy moved back to Salem in 2006 to be close to family. Lee and Judy enjoyed eating out for breakfast and were regulars at the Original Pancake House and Busick Court.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Robert, Richard, and Johnson, as well as his infant son Christopher. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy; daughters, Donna (New Braunfels, Tx) and Beth (Salem); brother, Steve Smith (Mesa, AZ); sister, Nancy Lorenz (Salem), and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved cat, Nick as well as three grand-dogs, Gracie, Chisum, and Pelli.

Dad leaves us with a legacy of a generous and kind spirit and a sharp sense of humor. We will honor him by carrying that legacy forward.

He will be interned with full military honors at 2:30 pm Thursday April 21st at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. Friends and family wishing to honor Lee can do so with donations to the Marion-Polk Food Share or Willamette Valley Humane Society. Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.