Roger W. Smarr

1930 - 2015

Roger W. (Rod) Smarr

On November 26, 2015, long-time Seattle resident Rod Smarr passed away peacefully in Carlsbad, CA. Born Sept. 9, 1930 in Kansas City, MO. After high school, where he anchored the mile relay team, Rod joined the Marine Corps, serving in the Korean War for which he was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Upon discharge, he moved to Seattle, enrolling at the U of W. There he met his future wife of 50 years, Betty, who preceded him in death. Survived by daughters Donna (Todd Buchanan) and Karen, son Jeff, grandchildren Jocelyn and Jason, and their mother Joy.

Rod spent his career in the insurance industry, retiring from the R.E. Lee Agency in 1993. In 1970, Rod and Betty moved to Blue Ridge in North Seattle, living there until Betty's passing in 2005. Early family activities included camping and hiking, before an ill-advised hike to Lake Malachite, after which the family switched to hotels with pools and beds. An avid golfer, Rod was a 30 year member at Seattle GC. winning several trophies (including 3 father-son titles). Rod also loved Husky and Seahawk football, a passion he shared with Betty and passed on to their children. Rod loved to sing, be it a "classic" or the Marine Corp hymn. Rod was a proud and supportive father and especially cherished spending time with his grandchildren. In retirement, Rod split time between WA, where he rarely missed a child or grandchild's game or performance and AZ, golfing with the "Cain Gang" at Coyote Lakes and watching the M's rebuild (again.) Recently he moved to CA, near his daughter, Karen.

Rod enjoyed life to the fullest, was a friend to all, and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him.

Rod will be interred with Betty at Tahoma National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will occur in early 2016.