Dean Smith

1957 - 2022

Dean Smith

Sep. 27, 1957 - Oct.7, 2022

Dean Smith passed away at his home on October 7 in the comfort of his family. Dean was born on September 27, 1957, in Grass Valley, California to Alvin "Bud" Smith and Lillian (Winton) Smith. He and his wife, Donna, were married in Bigfork along Flathead Lake in September 2011. He was a compassionate, hard-working, and incredibly loving husband, father, and man of faith. His infectious and humorous personality connected him immediately with everyone he met.

Dean had vast interests but mostly preferred to be outside above all else. His love of the outdoors started young with family camping trips and summers fishing, two things he continued to do throughout his life. Like his father, he loved keeping a beautiful yard and was always planting a tree. He was an incredible mechanic who could fix almost anything, including his daughters' cars, several times. He loved a good project and tinkering in the garage. Whether on a canoe, fishing boat, or speedboat, Dean felt most at home on the water.

In 1995, Dean moved his family from Idaho to Helena to continue his career in propane. He retired as the Area Supervisor for a wholesale propane company but spent decades in propane safety, management, and everything in between. Out of school, Dean drove a truck hauling lumber and continued driving trucks throughout his life, something he considered more of a hobby than a job.

Dean is survived by his wife, Donna Smith; children: Megan (John) Staats, Kristin (Christopher) Cordingley; brother, Neil (Heidi) Smith; and nephew, Nick (Lisa) Rogers; stepsons: Travis Hausler, Bryan (Mackenzie) Hausler, and Jake (Alexis) Hausler; grandchild, Emelia Staats; and step-grandchildren: Ben Hausler, Leah Hausler, Jaxon Hausler, Nash Hausler, and Axtyn Hausler. He is survived by many other loved ones, family, and friends.

Dean was preceded in death by Lillian Smith (mother), Alvin Smith (father), Gail Bolton (sister), and Marty Smith (brother).

A Memorial Service will be held in Helena on Saturday, October 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke, 3750 N Montana Ave., and a reception will follow at Headwaters Taphouse. The family will spread his ashes on Flathead Lake, Dean's favorite spot, on October 22.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at St. Peter's Hospice for their love and extraordinary care. With special thanks to Dr. John Schaeffer and nurse Angelika Kirschenmann of Missoula.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for a donation to the ALS Association in his name. For information and to donate, visit donate.als.org. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of dean.