Edgar William Smith

Ed Smith, 90, of Rogue River, Oregon, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2012, at his winter home in Yuma, Arizona. He was born in Wendell, Idaho. Sometime later he moved to the Yakima, Washington area where he met and married his first wife, Mary Jane Bohannon, the mother of his 6 children. During WWII Ed was drafted into the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, CA. Upon discharge from the service Ed, Mary Jane and their 3 little boys returned to Idaho for a few years, later relocating back to Yakima. Ed worked in sales of agriculture chemicals for several large companies. Shortly after being transferred to Medford, Oregon, the family moved there for one year, thus the beginning of his life-long fondness for the state of Oregon. After relocating back to the Yakima area Ed bought a 5 acre fruit ranch in the small town of Wapato. In the coming years, Ed joined his brothers as an owner/operator truck driver in the construction industry in the San Francisco Bay area. Winters always found him back in Oregon, sometimes trucking, and where he owned and operated the Sportsman Bar in Gold Hill, Oregon. Ed was a Teamster and a member of the VFW, Elks, and Moose lodges. He continued trucking until retiring at age 70.

Ed enjoyed the company of family and friends at every opportunity, sometimes traveling up, down, and across the country. If there was a wedding, a funeral, a family reunion, a holiday or more than 5 people gathered together, Ed was there to celebrate and share their company. Ed was lucky and he fell in love again. On June 19, 1993, he married June Addiago, in a ceremony held at his brother Chet’s home in Lake Tahoe, CA. His door was always open at “Happy Hour” for friends and family. Together Ed and June hosted several large family reunions as well as many other family get-togethers.

Ed is survived by his wife June, step-sons Matt and Mike, as well as grandchildren and great-grand children. Ed is also survived by his daughters Barbara and Karen; sons Mike, Ron, and Bruce; sisters Dorothy, Cheri, and Charline; brothers Chet and Bruce. He was proud to have 6 children, 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Ed was quick to claim all children and their extended families as evidenced in many family photo albums.

Ed was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Jane, son Kenneth, grandson Brandon, and brothers Everett and Jan.

It can be said that Ed “never met a stranger” and probably never met anyone who didn’t become a friend. He was truly “loved by all”. He never lost his sense of humor, was very good natured, and was quick to smile. He will live on in our hearts forever.

A celebration of his life will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Pierce Brothers Griffith in Chino, CA on April 28, 2012, at 1:00 P.M.