Donovan W. Smith Sr.

09/03/1928 - 09/21/2011

SMITH,
Donovan W. Sr.
(Age 83)

Donovan W. Smith, Sr., of Spokane, WA, died peace-fully September 21, 2011. Donovan was the eldest of seven sons, born September 3, 1928, in Colville, WA, to George and Ruth (Crofoot) Smith. Donovan had fond memories of when he was very young, working for a nickel per hour, in his grandparent's orchard along Peach Crest in Old Kettle Falls, WA. When Donovan was only 16, he obtained a child labor permit to work for the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA, later called Kaiser Aluminum), in Mead, WA. In the fall of 1945, Donovan began his career with the "original" Great Northern/Burlington Northern Railroad (44 years). He retired in 1989 as Track Inspector Supervisor. His nickname on the job was "Peanuts." He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, taking long drives with his kids, sightseeing and remembering the way things used to be. His favorite personal quote: "The truth's the truth!" Donovan is survived by his two sets of children, Donovan (Nancy) Smith, Jr., Kathleen Smith, Victoria (Jim) Specht, Danielle (Bryce) Baggaley, Andrea (Joe) Blessen, and Coralee Love. His vibrant and loving eleven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter will all miss him dearly!
His living brothers and their spouses are: Allen (Barb), Edwin (Elsie), Elmer (Donna), Lowell, and Kenneth (Sue) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Vernon, and his sons, Russell and Roger Smith. Condolences or stories of Donovan may be sent to: P.O. Box 502, Deer Park, WA 99006.