Richard Alan Smith

Richard Alan Smith 10-13-56 to 7-2-25.

Richard was born in Los Angeles to Robert Morris Smith and Ruth Olive Kinney. His family grew up across the US, living in San Carlos, Albuquerque, and White Salmon. After high school, Richard joined the US Army and was stationed in Germany as a radio operator. He was honorably discharged and completed his AA from Skagit Community College, where he was student body president. He went on to receive his BS from Washington State University. Richard completed 30 years of service in federal wildlife management. First, at the National Park Service, which allowed him to live and work in beautiful places: Devils Tower, Yosemite, the Everglades, St. Simons Island, and Point Reyes. Then he worked to expand natural refuges as a land protection planner for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Service and secured over 100,000 acres for wildlife and public access. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, camping, and biking. Richard was a certified scuba diver, a kayak guide for the Alcatraz triathlon, & a volunteer for the American River cleanup. Richard was never without a dog or a turtle and shared his love of animals and nature with his daughter, Lana. They camped, surfed, biked, rock climbed, ziplined, and hiked together. He retired in Guerneville, California, where he created his dream home. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Robert Lawrence and his sister, Marian. He is survived by his daughter, Lana, her mother, Lori, six nephews and nieces, and 9 grand nephews and nieces. Richard was most at home in nature, where he will be returned. At his request, there is no service.