Lyle H. Smith

1916 - 2017

Lyle H. Smith "Coach"
1916 ~ 2017
Lyle H. Smith, the son of Burrel F. Smith and Addie (Humphrey) Smith, was born March 17, 1916, in the rural town of Steptoe, Washington. He attended Moscow High School in Moscow, Idaho, where he played football and basketball for two consecutive years. In 1933 and 1934, Smith helped the Moscow High School basketball squad win the coveted title of "State Champions" and was named to the All State Team both years.
Smith graduated from Moscow High School in 1934. In the fall of that year, he entered the University of Idaho Southern Branch in Pocatello, as a physical education major and graduated from the University of Idaho in Moscow on June 5, 1939 with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in history. He was the center for the University of Idaho football team and guard for the basketball team. Upon graduating from college, Smith began what would be a lifelong career of teaching and coaching. In 1939 he took a position teaching social sciences and physical education at Firth High School in eastern Idaho. In 1941 Smith accepted a position teaching physical education and coaching at his alma mater Moscow High School.
With the United States entrance into World War II, Lyle, like many of his generation, entered the military and was assigned to the Navy's Pre-Flight School at St. Mary's College in California as a Physical Training Officer. In September of 1943, Smith was transferred to the U.S. Naval Air Station in Livermore, California. In Livermore he instructed Aviation Cadets in physical education and hand to hand combat (martial arts). In September of 1944, he was reassigned to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where he served until the end of the war. He then returned to the University of Idaho to attend Graduate School where he received a Master of Science in Education.
In 1946, Smith came to Boise Junior College (BJC) to fill the position of Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Football Coach. A year later, he became the Head Football Coach for BJC, a position he held until the end of the 1967 football season. Smith left an impressive record in his 21 years of coaching at Boise Junior College with a record of 158 wins, 25 losses, and 6 ties. Under his leadership, the Broncos were invited to seven post-season Junior College Bowl Games, such as the Potato Bowl and Little Rose Bowl. In the middle of the 1950 football season Lyle, like many other veterans of World War II, was called back into military service for the Korean War. He resumed coaching duties in August of 1952 upon returning to Boise. In 1958, at Bronco Stadium, BJC won the National Junior College Athletic Association Championship, by defeating Tyler College of Texas 22-0, During his tenure at Boise Junior College in addition to coaching football, Lyle Smith also served as Athletic Director, Head Baseball Coach, Head of the Physical Education Department, and physical education instructor.
In his 21 years as head football coach, Smith's teams remained a dominant figure in the Intermountain Collegiate Athletic Conference, winning the conference title 16 out of 21 times. In January of 1968, Smith officially resigned as head football coach and was rehired in March to serve as Boise State College's Director of Athletics, a position he held until retirement in 1981. During his tenure as Athletic Director, Bronco Stadium was built and construction on the Pavilion was started. On September 11, 1970, BJC's football field was dedicated as "Lyle Smith Field". After retirement, Lyle could be found following the Broncos football teams, on the golf course or at a favorite fishing hole.
In 1940 he married Maria Raphael, a fellow Vandal classmate. From this union came 3 children - Bill, Margery (Miss) and Larry. They later divorced. In August 1971 he married Eleanore Savage. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers - Justin, Rosco (Hoot), and Marshall; 2 sisters - Beryl Thelma Peterson and Mildred Smith; daughter in law - Janine Talley Smith; and step grandson - Andrew Wade. He is survived by his children, Bill of Sedona Arizona; Margery (Miss) Swint of Mount Vernon, WA; Larry (Linda) of Yardley PA. Stepchildren Julie Savage-Wade (Don) of Denver CO and Rick Savage (Barbara Wong) of San Clemente CA; seven grandchildren Riley and Ashley Smith, David and Mike Swint, Jeffrey (Morgan), Amanda and Greg Smith; 2 great grandchildren - Giovanni and Calogerina Smith; sister Barbara Bryant, 2 nephews Ken Peterson and Hal Smith, 1 niece Pam Gould and numerous extended family.
The family would like to thank the staff, administration and residents at Hillcrest Assisted Living for providing friendship, care and support for the past 8 years, and many thanks to Doctor Mike Maier and his staff as well as Encompass Hospice personnel. In addition, we are grateful to Boise State University, the Bronco Nation and the entire community for all you provided Dad through the years.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Lyle Smith Endowed Football Scholarship at Boise State, The Elks Rehabilitation Center or The Idaho Youth Ranch.
A Celebration of Life for Lyle will be held Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 1 p.m., Stueckle Sky Center, Albertsons Bronco Stadium, Boise State University. In keeping with Dad's love for Boise State, we encourage you to wear your blue and orange to the celebration. Arrangements are at Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel 208-343-6493.