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Craig Lee Smart

1955 - 2016

Craig Lee Smart obituary, 1955-2016, Salem, OR

BORN

1955

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Weddle Funeral Service - Stayton

1777 North Third Avenue

Stayton, Oregon

Craig Smart Obituary

Craig Lee Smart
1955 ~ 2016
Craig Lee Smart passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at his home in Salem, Oregon, after a long battle with melanoma cancer. Craig was born in Boise, Idaho, on September 24, 1955, to Vera and Dwight Smart, who were later divorced and remarried. Craig attended Boise schools and loved sports. In early years, he played football and baseball and spent many days skiing -- both snowskiing and waterskiing.
In 1983, he met the love of his life, Teresa Watts, from Bellevue, Idaho. They married in 1986, and were blessed with two children -- daughter, Kasi, and son, Quincy. Craig was very proud of his children and loved spending time with them. Kasi and Craig spent hours together watching TV's Law and Order, and Quincy picked up Craig's love for snowskiing.
Craig's early jobs allowed him to work outdoors on landscaping and tree planting projects in West Coast forests. Later, he was employed by Horizon Airlines and Sun Valley Aviation in Hailey, Idaho, where he was recognized as Horizon Air's 1988 "Employee of the Year." Craig later found his niche in IT work, installing and maintaining driver-licensing photo systems in over ten states.
Craig fought hard to beat melanoma, and moved to Portland, Oregon in 2014, to enter a treatment program at Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU). His general health improved for a while, but the cancer ultimately got the best of him.
Craig is survived by his wife, Teresa; daughter, Kasi; son, Quincy; father and stepmother, Dwight and Evelyn Smart; his younger brother, David Smart; his half-brother, Paul Smart; his stepfamily – stepsisters Deanna (Carlos) Mendiola; Carol (Robert) Warren; stepbrothers Steven (Judy) Hill; and Michael (Denise) Dielo; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Hill; stepfather, Al Hill; stepmother, Mary Lou Smart; and his grandparents and two stepbrothers.
Respecting Craig's wishes, a private family service was held on the Oregon coast. It included a lawn chair and fishing pole planted in the sand and plenty of iced tea inside a cooler.
The family expresses their deep appreciation to those who provided continued love, support and prayers during Craig's illness and to Serenity Hospice, Salem, Oregon; Mountain States Tumor Institute, Boise, Idaho; OHSU, Portland, Oregon; and their church pastor and his wife in Salem, Oregon. Condolences can be forwarded to Weddle Funeral Home; 1777 N. 3rd Avenue; Stayton, OR 97383, or online at weddle-funeral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Idaho Statesman on Mar. 6, 2016.

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6 Entries

Linda Ahrendsemln

August 23, 2024

Tree planting was on thing criag loved w/ david.i remember david and his brother from newport oregon .

Jason S

June 14, 2017

Teresa,
Kasi,
Quincy,

I just learned of Craig's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Craig was such a great guy. I got the chance to work with him for many years on the driver license projects. He always had some good stories to share and put a smile on the whole team's faces.

Though we lost touch after we went our own ways I know we would have been able to pick up just where we left off with stories and a big jug of tea.

Rest in peace Sparky!

Marilyn Duran

March 22, 2016

My condolences to Craig's family, he died too young. We only have a brief time on Earth & we should make the best if it & care for each other. Life is precious. Thanks, Craig.

LeeAnn Sanders (Reese)

March 6, 2016

So sorry for the loss of such a great man. Craig was a childhood friend that we were all very fond of. Prayer to the family

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Funeral services provided by:

Weddle Funeral Service - Stayton

1777 North Third Avenue, Stayton, OR 97383

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