Warren Ray Smith, age 85, died April 15, 2021, in Pleasant Hill, California, of complications of Alzheimer's disease, ending a life where he embraced being an athlete, coach, referee, teacher, outdoorsman, storyteller, husband, father and grandfather. Warren was born in Weiser, Idaho, to Clinton and Rachel Smith, the middle of three children. He grew up in North Bend, Washington, attending Mt. Si High School, where he starred in sports while spending summers working in the forests. He attended and graduated from Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, where he played football and ran track–and also where he met the former Joanne Anderson, whom he began dating in 1956 and married later that year. They remained partners until Warren's death, celebrating 64 years of marriage. After college, he began teaching, eventually spending 32 years at Eureka High School, where he was a teacher and coached football, track, tennis and other sports. He was the head varsity football coach from 1969-1980 and was athletic director from 1974-1991. He and Joanne had three children, Clay, Cari and Chad. Warren loved family vacations, especially skiing trips and camping trips that included abalone diving. He built a cabin in Trinity County where his family spent many summers. He also enjoyed working in the woods, cutting all the firewood needed for each winter. Upon retirement, Warren and Joanne moved to Sunriver, Oregon, where they lived for 15 years before moving to Bend, Oregon. They moved back to California in 2020 to be closer to their children. Warren is survived by his wife, Joanne; sons Clay (Kenna) and Chad (Marycha); daughter Cari Stanhope (Brad); grandchildren Chad Stanhope (Bambi), Derek Stanhope, Kaila Smith, Rosalind Smith and Warren Smith; and great-grandchildren Isabelle Stanhope and Mia Stanhope. No public services are planned.

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Published by Times-Standard on Apr. 18, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Warren Smith

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12 Entries

Cleta Cater

March 29, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Was going through my brothers things. Found Mr. Smiths picture. My brother love him as a coach. Brother died in 1969

Smith

May 5, 2021

We Love you Pa, Please be sure to take Magic, Abbie, Tiko for a walk, we are thinking of you.... keep an eye on us.

Smith, Arentz, and Zelenkov Families

April 24, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. You have touched the lives of so many with the time you had with us. You lived a life filled to the brim, a special man that had the ability to connect with people and some special dogs too... thank you Pa and Love you for always!

Blaine Westfall

April 23, 2021

I had the pleasure of playing football for Warren Smith in 1973 and 1974. He was a successful coach, fine person and had a wonderful sense of humor. He played a substantial role in our overall education process. Maturity, discipline, sense of accomplishment and most importantly, how to become a good teammate, were all enhanced under his leadership. The practices were miserable but made us tough.(especially running up that darn hill), his wonderful assistant coaches taught us well and improved our skills, and his mentoring prepared us for the games and the rest of our life.
When those cold Friday nights arrived, and Mr. Logger led us out onto the field with a screaming, smoking chainsaw, we were fully prepared. Thank you Coach Smith. Job well done.

Blaine Westfall

Michael Jones

April 23, 2021

Warren was my track and field coach from 1963 to 1965, but he was much more than that to me. Coming from a broken home he took an interest in my well-belling and although only 11 years difference in age, was a father figure to me. At the beginning of my Senior year, he challenged me academically-- as my grades at that time were nothing to be proud of--and I made the Dean's List. He also showed enough confidence in me to make me a Co-Captain of the track team that same year. I can't remember for certain, but I may not have thanked him personally for all that he did for me...I'm thanking him now, Coach Smith you were the best.

Adair Paul

April 22, 2021

Smitty was the best! He helped so many students, was a great basketball official! A wonderful father and grandfather! Wonderful person! God Bless him and his family.

Kathy Sutter

April 20, 2021

What a kind gentle man. He was always so friendly and always had a smile. Remember him from Eureka High School.

Moselle and Dan Ball

April 19, 2021

Heaven has welcomed their newest coach to help keep things under control. We will miss Warren but expect to see him again in our next big adventure. Until then, we send our thoughts and prayers to his family. Bless all of them and the extended circle of those who loved Warren.
For Dan, Warren was a teacher, a mentor, a peer and a great friend. Rest in a peace Coach Smith.

Rae Bott

April 19, 2021

I had the privilege of working with Warren at EurekAlert High School from 1979 till he retired. He was a great guy. RIP.

Pete Jones

April 19, 2021

RIP Coach Smith

Pat Gipson

April 18, 2021

Joanne and family, I am very sorry to hear of Warren’s passing. I have such warm memories of working with Warren at Jacobs while you babysat Keith and Lynn so long ago. Please accept our sincere condolences and know you are in our hearts and prayers

Deacon Jeff Jacobs

April 18, 2021

Smitty was a great guy. Enjoyed officiating many basketball games with him. He always made it fun with his great sense of humor. Christ's peace to his family.

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