Bruce Allen Smart

Bruce Allen Smart was born January 4, 1950 in Great Falls MT. He started a life of adventure and mischief early and with his whole heart. When he was still in grade school Bruce's mother would drop him and his brother off at the front door of a church and head to work, expecting them to go in and participate. They would walk in through the front and out the back. As a young man he started to work in the trades. He started as a hod carrier and worked his way to a very skilled bricklayer. His skill and his traveling spirit took him all over the western part of the US stopping for a few years in CA, NV, AZ. Bruce finally found a place to call home when he moved to Seattle, WA.in the mid 90's. He supported the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Union, was a union member from the time he started as a hoddie, preached the benefits of union life and became an officer at the Local 1 in the late 90's. Working in an office was quite an adjustment for a lifetime laborer, but he enjoyed recruiting apprentices and sharing his knowledge of the trade.
Bruce met (1972) and married Julie (Mark Meis) (1973) and they welcomed a daughter, Summer (Dana Goodan) (1978). With two fiery wonderful personalities, Bruce and Julie parted ways. When Julie remarried a few years later, lo and behold a friendship and brotherly love began with Mark Meis. Bruce traveled to Montana to spend holidays with his daughter and her parents Mark and Julie. He and Mark would become great friends and Dads together.
Bruce loved to go for drives. He cherished an old 1965 GMC pickup. He put many miles on "the old girl", traveling to see his daughter, and even cruising it up the Alcan Highway. He always dreamed of restoring the pickup and a week before his death a good friend was able to make that dream come true. Bruce knew many people in all walks of life. He enjoyed talking shop and politics. Not everyone agreed with his views and he rarely agreed with anyone else, but he would do anything to help those he loved.
Obituaries are such a short glimpse of a lifetime. Bruce was so much more than a glimpse. He is survived by his daughter, Summer (Dana) Goodan and their children, Autumn and Dominic (his grandchildren were everything to him); his brother, Earl Smart; and sisters, Cheri Patrick and Teresa Asman. His parents, Jack Smart and Katherine Wilder precede him in death.
Bruce died the morning of Oct. 23. He did not die from or of covid. The strong man had many complications with his health but complications from pneumonia were too much.
There will be no services for Bruce. He didn't want an obituary but here you are reading it. His ashes will be spread somewhere over his favorite state of Montana. He will be thought of during every road trip, every trades question, every joy and success and even the hardships. When his family goes to Seattle they will always say, "Good morning Seattle!" just like Papa Bruce and they will remember him when they say, "I lova lova love you".
Creel Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Please share memories and condolences for Bruce at www.creelfuneralhome.com