Dr. Silas Raynor Smith

Dr. Silas Raynor Smith Dr. Silas Raynor Smith died on May 18, 2007 in Meridian, Idaho following a long illness. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday June 9 with Rev. David W. Wettstein officiating. Raynor was born June 14, 1918 in Harvard, Ill. He grew up in India, where his parents were missionaries with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Returning to Oregon when he was 13 years old, Raynor lived in Tillamook and Tigard, graduating from high school in 1935. Raynor received his BA from Willamette University in 1939 and his Master of Divinity from Boston University in 1942. In 1943 Raynor became a Chaplain with the U.S. Army in Germany for two years. Raynor then received his Ph.D. in 1955 from the University of Southern California, where he also served as a Methodist Minister. Raynor returned to the Northwest, continuing his ministry with churches in Centralia, Tacoma, Bothell, Spokane, Wash., and Moscow, Idaho. Raynor and his wife Gay moved to Astoria, Ore. in 1974. After Raynor retired from the Methodist Church, he continued for another 20 years as the minister of the Community Congregational Church in Astoria. Raynor was also honored to serve as the Oregon State Chaplain for the American Legion and the "40 et 8" Honorary Society for over twenty years, also being named an Honorary Department Commander. Raynor and Gay moved to Boise, Idaho in 1999. Raynor lived at Valley View Retirement Community, where he enjoyed his apartment, friends, church, and family. He died at a private care home in Meridian. Raynor is survived by his brother Rev. Nevitt Smith; children, Glendon Smith (Cynthia), Martha Mundt (John), Larry Watson (Susan), Lurayne Smith Miller (Robert); grandchildren, Garrett Smith, Lawton and Jennifer Smith, Christine (daughter Isabella) and Peter Mundt (partner Hammond Limbong), Topaz Dent, Wade, Brianna, and Skylar Miller. He was preceded in death by his first wife Phyllis, his second wife Gay, and his son Garrett. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Rev. David Wettstein for his unending devotion and spiritual guidance; Dr. Stefanie Fry and cardiac care nurse Jill Anderson for their graceful sprits, Life's Doors Hospice nurse Alta and Raynor's caregiver/nurse Dorothy for their loving support throughout his illness. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 2206 N. Cole Rd., Boise, Idaho 83704. They are not gone Who pass beyond the clasp of hand, Out from the strong embrace. They are but come so close We need not grope with hands, Nor look to see, Nor try to catch the sound of feet. They have put off their shoes, Softly to walk by day Within our thoughts, To tread at night Our dream-led paths of sleep. "I believe this with all my heart. I have felt the inner truth of this abiding wonder. All my love. SHALOM. Raynor"