Roy E. Smith

Roy E. Smith

Roy E. Smith, 62, longtime Hibbing resident, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Born to Elmer "Bud" and Joy (Young) Smith on March 26, 1963, he grew up in Hibbing but spent countless summers on Pokegama Lake in Grand Rapids. Throughout his youth, he was an exceptional athlete that played multiple sports, but his love for hockey was truly a north star in his life. After graduating from Hibbing High School, Roy embarked on a remarkable journey. He earned multiple degrees, traveled the world, played on a national championship hockey team at Hibbing Junior College, and served as a teacher and principal in Nevada. In the early 2000s, with his daughter Cheyenne at his side, he returned to Hibbing and reunited with the love of his life and wife of 21 years, Suzy Sorci. He worked briefly at Ironworld (Minnesota Discovery Center) before assuming a unique dual role with the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) and Minnesota North College. In this capacity, he served as the Executive Director of the Applied Learning Institute (ALI) and led the IRRR's Talent Development initiatives.

Roy was instrumental in founding the acclaimed Iron Range Engineering Program, which enables students to complete a four-year engineering degree on the Iron Range while gaining invaluable hands-on industry experience. His visionary leadership also significantly strengthened ALI, which connects high school students to technical careers aligned with Minnesota North College programs, and the Next Career Pathways initiative, providing meaningful career exploration for area students.

Roy's impact extended far beyond the classroom. He championed customized workforce training programs that reached thousands of participants across the region.

These initiatives helped individuals in communities, large and small, gain new certifications and skills in essential vocations such as truck driving, welding, and healthcare. He was particularly proud of efforts that are in-the-works to remove barriers to training, including mobile welding and HVAC labs and on-site instruction provided directly to rural and tribal communities.

Through his vision and advocacy, Roy advanced numerous grant projects that expanded access to education and training opportunities throughout northern Minnesota. His leadership and advocacy for initiatives such as Workforce Solutions for the Trades, Emergency Services/Healthcare Frontline Worker, and the Empower Women Program helped individuals pursue fulfilling careers, strengthen local industries, and uplift families. Roy also supported transformative education projects through the

Iron Range Higher Education Committee, including curriculum redesigns, early childhood education pathways, and initiatives that increased educational access on the Iron Range. Importantly, he served as a close and trusted advisor to the various commissioners, presidents, and legislators he collaborated with over the years.

Roy's service extended well beyond his professional roles. He served as Board Chair of the Northland Foundation, member of the Hibbing Area Wellness Committee, Essentia Health's Rural Healthcare Advisory Board, the Iron Mining Association Board, and the Governor's Workforce Development Council among many other affiliations. He was a proud graduate of the Blandin Community Leadership Program and was honored with the Friend of the Chamber Award by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for his unwavering commitment to collaboration and community development.

It was through that commitment to community development, and through his, Suzy's, and Cheyenne's joy for life, that they founded the Ice Cream Truck, where they spread joy, love, and their magic throughout the Iron Range, one scoop at a time.

Roy will be remembered not only for his impressive professional accomplishments but also for his extraordinary character. He was a mentor and friend to nearly everyone he met. He was known for his profound kindness, genuine humility, and steadfast belief that authentic relationships were the foundation of every success. Roy listened deeply, cared authentically, and inspired others to lead with purpose and heart. His enduring legacy will live on in the countless students, colleagues, and communities whose lives he profoundly touched.

While his commitment to the vitality of the region was unmatched, his first priority was always his family, who he loved with all of his heart.

He is survived by his wife Suzy, daughter Cheyenne Lease (Kayd), parents Joy and Elmer "Bud" Smith, sister Amy Flynn (Kevin), brother Art Smith (Lorine), niece Alex Obregon (Aaron), great niece Rory Obregon, and nephew Matthew Flynn, and puppies Bernie and Boujee.

A celebration of Roy's life will be held on Thursday October 30th, 2025, at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing from 11-2pm (Visitation from 11-1pm, Program from 1-2pm) followed by a luncheon at Valentini's in Chisholm.

In memorial, and in lieu of flowers, the Roy E. Smith Leadership Fund has been setup in Roy's name that will support emerging leaders on the Iron Range. Please send donations to: Roy E. Smith Leadership Fund, c/o the Hibbing Co-Operative Credit Union.

Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.