Tony Smart Sr.

Former Alaska resident Tony James Smart Sr. died Sept. 20, 2008, in Fruitland, Wash.
A memorial service will be at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Russian Jack Springs Chalet. Call 343-6992 for more information.
Tony was born Oct. 24, 1955, in Valdez and served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked as a construction worker on the North Slope. Tony also loved to work and teach the trade of masonry but most of all he loved to serve the Lord.
Tony was a wonderful spouse, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Tony loved to subsistence fish and hunt with his uncles while growing up. He also loved to take his grandmother, mother, and his siblings berry picking up the Parks Highway. He was full of life and showed it in every way. He loved to travel and meet new people. One of his favorite places was to go to "Grandma's homestead." He loved to take his son, Tony Jr., on trips and enjoyed spending time with Tony Jr. riding four-wheelers, boating, and teaching his son the trade of masonry. Tony loved to spend time with his daughter, Rachel.
Tony also loved spending time with his brothers, Jack and Jerry, fishing and hunting throughout Alaska. He also loved to spend time with his good friends. He was known for his generosity and colorful humor. He loved the youth; he was always there when people needed help no matter what the problem was. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed watching the sun set from his property. Although he never did get to fulfill his dream of building a cabin on his 40-acre ranch, the Lord has prepared him a place when the time has come to bring us all home.
Tony is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary Smart of Everett, Wash.; son, Tony Smart Jr.; daughters, Rachel Smart and Gina of California; siblings, Jack Smart (Natalia) of Anchorage, Beatrice Grewal (Amarjit) of Dillingham, Jerry Lee (Lori) of Anchorage, Cheri Johansen (Daniel II), Angie Peterkin and Francis McCue, both of Anchorage; and many nephews and nieces whom he loved dearly.