Craig Lee Smart

1955 - 2016

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.