Forrest Donald Smith Sr.

1932 - 2023

Forrest Donald Smith Sr.

Forrest Donald Smith Sr. finished his struggle with Alzheimer's at home in Missoula surrounded by his family on February 28 at age 90. He was born to Charles and Margaret Smith May 31, 1932 in Santa Barbara, CA followed by his brother Charlie and sister Margie. How do you condense 90+ years of such and amazing man into a few paragraphs?

Forrest grew up in Goleta and Casmalia, CA and had wonderful memories of 'deer camp' on the Chamberlain Ranch in the St Ynez Valley with the Smith clan, especially his grandpa, Jim Smith the Blacksmith. He loved falling asleep to the sound of the surf near Casmalia. He enjoyed playing football and baseball at Santa Maria High School but his love of hunting, fishing, camping and gardening stayed with him until his final years.

He married Barbara Bianchi in 1951 and they had 3 children, Forrest Jr, Stephen, and Kathyrn Vivian. They later divorced and in 1965 he married Verena (Fran) Murdock. This union added 5 stepchildren, Kathy, Sue, Steven, David and Heidi. They moved to Napa and had 3 children together, Lisa, Verna, and John. They were married for 31 yrs. Forrest cared for Fran until her death in 1996 from cancer. During his years in Napa and Missoula he formed several lasting friendships. In 1997 Forrest and his son John moved to Missoula to continue his ministry full time. On November 3, 2000 he married Dee Hilzendeger and gained 3 more stepchildren, Chris, Josh, and Kristi.

In 1954 Forrest dedicated his life to our Creator, Jehovah God and spent the rest of his life talking to people about the Bible and his heavenly Father. While he worked at various vocations, ranching, at Union Oil, and later as a sheetrock & drywall contractor with a successful business (Rocket Drywall) in Napa, his first love was his ministry and he devoted countless hours volunteering in the construction of Kingdom Halls in Central and Northern CA, and Maui, Hawaii. A congregation servant for many years, he later was an elder for 35 years. While in Missoula he continued his ministry and volunteered for KH construction; also teaching inmates at the Missoula County Detention Center. He had the privilege of volunteering in construction at the world headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses in NY in his late 60s and for 2 weeks after Hurricane Katrina in reconstruction in his 70s. While many of his memories faded and faces became unfamiliar, he was unwavering in his faith in the resurrection, love of his Creator and would talk about Jehovah and pray to him until his very last few days. The Bible's promise of a future paradise on earth sustained him in his illness. Psalm 37:29 "The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it." Rev. 21:4 "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore…"

He is remembered by his family for his strength, spirituality, insight, sincerity, humility and strong protective nature as well his sense of humor and contagious laugh. Forrest had a zest for life and an unmatchable energy and work ethic. He often said how excited he was to get to work and see how much he could accomplish in a day. He was diligent and determined and often spoke his mind, but also kind, compassionate, loving and tender. He was not easily intimidated and always up for a challenge. He weathered storms in life that would have taken down a lesser man. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. A man you could depend on and trust.

Forrest was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charlie, his son Stephen and his stepson Steven; former wives Barbara and Fran. He is survived by his wife Dee of 22 yrs, his sister Margie Abbe, children: Forrest Jr. (Tieka), Kathryn Colbert (Rob), Lisa Wilson, Verna Channel (Kurt) and John Smith (Kristi). Stepchildren: Kathy Krauss, Sue Tosti, David Murdock, Heidi Vesper, Chris & Josh Hilzendeger and Kristi Smith. Grandchildren: Forrest III, Dustin, and Stephen Smith, Dianna Mortimer, Jeremie and Rueben Macias, Amanda Smith, Alison Morgan Johns, Adrianna Morgan, Johnny Wilson, Elisabeth Morgan, Jarrett and Jenna Smith. Great Grandchildren: Madison, Angelo, Bobby, Kendra, Josh, Jeremie Jr, Alayna, Lexi, Skylar, Nanice, Maui and Jack; nieces, nephews and all their families. A special thanks to the many close friends, family, and caregivers that helped care for Forrest in his final years and to Monique Krebsbach, PT.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday April 8 at 2:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses located at 1115 S Reserve Street.