Ian D. Smith

1939 - 2014

Ian D. Smith
Ian D. Smith passed away peacefully on May 20, 2014, and entered the Eternal Kingdom of our Lord at 10:10 PM. Glory Be To God!
Ian was born to Josephine (Gariepy) and Ralph T. Smith on February 23, 1939, in Kingman, Arizona. He grew up in Clinton, Montana, and graduated from Missoula High School in June, 1957.
Ian entered Montana State University, Bozeman, in fall of 1957. He graduated with honors (Phi Kappa Phi) in March of 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Animal Industry. Ian continued his education at Washington State University in Pullman. He was awarded a Master of Science in Animal Science in May of 1964, and a PhD in Animal Science in August of 1971.
Ian and family made their home in Ellensburg for many years. Ian began working for Western Feed Supplements (Yakima) concurrent with his graduate study. He thoroughly enjoyed working with various feedlot owners throughout the state of Washington as well as Oregon. His job was to develop and put together feed supplements. He worked mainly with beef and dairy cattle, yet was always willing and able to provide formulas for other animals. Ian and a couple of his colleagues established Northwest Research, a private consulting business for feed supplements. He always spoke kindly about his clients and colleagues.
Ian was highly respected and well-liked by his colleagues, clients, and friends who knew him to be dependable, knowledgeable, fair, and honest. One of his clients, Ken, of Alaska Mill and Feed, said, "Ian was a great guy, stayed on track, and I enjoyed working with him." Those who knew Ian described him as a "kind and gentle soul;" "a wonderful friend;" "a privilege to have had Ian as a patient;" "I remember Ian as a caring, dear person, and a very vital, handsome man who worked hard;" "One of the kindest, most generous, and loving people ever to grace our planet." "Ian was one of the finest gentlemen I ever knew. He was class in all situations, and he will always be in my mind." "He was a man of great heart." Ian loved God's creation, and enjoyed hiking, canoeing, and camping.
Ian is survived by his wife Bonnie, of thirty-nine years; son, Clint (Connie) Smith of Kirkland, daughter, Cindy (Dan) Schielsmith of Kent, daughters, Rhoda (Rod) Crispin, Crystal (Mike) Bosko, and Holly Duncan of Ellensburg, brother Dana (Lynne) Smith of Brookings, OR; and seven grandchildren, Anna, Tyler, Katrina, Cassie, and Erica of Seattle, Dillon and Dalton of Ellensburg.
A service of Hope and Comfort will be held Saturday, June 14, 2014, 2:00 pm, at First Lutheran Church, 512 N. Ruby Street, Ellensburg, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice Friends, 401 E. Mountainview Ave., Ste 3, Ellensburg, in memory of Ian Smith.
Sincere thanks to Brookside for their help and kindness.