Deane Ristine Smith

Deane Ristine Smith, 84, of Bellevue died January 21st 2012, at his home of mesothelioma. Our lives will never be the same without Deane to talk to and laugh with; he was a reminder of all that was good about life. Deane's many good qualities and characteristics, such as patience, thoughtfulness, diligence, and caring for others were just a part of him and radiated from him. His generous and gracious nature left others feeling better for having spent time with him. Those fortunate enough to spend time working along side him could feel the rhythm of his life, the joy he felt for working in the outdoors with his plants. The elements we hope for in great men were the fabric of everyday life for Deane. His embodiment of the best of humanity quietly encouraged us to be our best and infused us with joy. Born October 19, 1927, to Audrey Ristine and William Smith, Deane and his siblings Walt and Shirley lived and worked on the Bellevue family farm. As a baby, he slept in the lettuce crate while the family worked the fields. This was a time when Bellevue was farmland and one took a ferry to get to Seattle. He was a member of the FFA at Bellevue High and graduated from there in 1945. He joined the Marine Corps upon graduation. When discharged he joined the Reserves and was called up to serve a year in Korea. After his return in 1951 he fell in love, proposed to and married Charlotte Oliver Davis, leading to sixty years of rich friendship, affirming love, and five kids: Mike, Rick, Stephen, Stanley, and Doug. He worked on many buildings, including the Space Needle and Columbia Tower over his 33 years with HSW construction, where he started as a carpenter and became the youngest superintendent at the time. He was a proud union member and practiced collaborative leadership on his jobs. His family, who will truly miss him, include his wife Charlotte, sons and daughters: Mike, Stephen, Stanley, Douglas, Michele, Mary Jane, and Diane. He was very proud of his grandchildren: Cedar, Meridian, Kinsey, Rylan, and Melissa. He lived the life of a good man be- cause he was in fact a Good Man. A service to reflect on his life will be held Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 1:30pm at Sunset Hills in Bellevue; 1215 145th Place SE, Bellevue 98007, 425-746-1400.

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Bellevue, WA.