Henry Peter Smith, 94 passed away on January 14, 2020 at the Porter Hospice Residence of Centennial, Colorado. Henry was born to Peter and Grace Smith of Denver, Colorado on September 13, 1925. Henry is survived by his son Gary (Dianne) Smith of Bailey, Colorado; his daughter Doris (Ron) DeLuca of Birmingham, Alabama; his daughter Carol (Roger) Stock of Sheffield, Iowa; his daughter Nancy (Wally) Bensman of Denver, Colorado; 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Henry grew up in the home he was born in on South Ogden Street. During his senior year in high school, because of WWII, Henry attended a specialized war training program at Emily Griffith Opportunity School, conducted by the Civil Service. After completing a Machinist Training Course, he graduated from South Denver High School in 1943 and then enlisted in the United States Navy. Henry served with the Navy from July 1943 to May 1946 as an Aviation Machinist Mate. He was involved in Antisubmarine warfare and served with the Patrol Bomber Squadron 147. His squadron was based out of Curacao and conducted low altitude submarine reconnaissance flights, protecting the Shell Oil refineries in the South Caribbean Sea. After his military service Henry worked as a Machinist at Gardner Denver, delivered milk for Royal Crest Dairy, and worked as a Geological Draftsman for 6 years for Humble Oil Company (Exxon). Following the June 1965 flooding of the South Platte River, which washed out numerous roads and bridges, Henry accepted a position as an Engineering Technician with the Colorado State Highway Department. Henry worked for the Highway Department in Road Design for 28 years and enjoyed following multiple projects through to completion, including the Eisenhower Tunnel.
Henry was an avid walker, walking several miles each day on his lunch hours when he was working. From the time he was a boy, he always had a dog for a companion, some purebred and many rescues. After retirement, Henry took daily walks with his canine companion, and clocked thousands of miles around Bible Park during the 39 years he lived in southeast Denver. Henry continued to stay busy in retirement with many wood working projects. He made and assembled two mantle clocks, a Grandmother clock and two cherry Grandfather clocks, which are now family heirlooms.
Henry was an active member of the First Reformed Church where he served as both Elder and Deacon, and Colorado Community Church. His last residence was Clermont Park, where he had many friends.
Henry was predeceased by his wife of 69 years Norma, his parents, and his sister Helen Smith Buschbach.
A memorial service for Henry will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121. A reception will follow the service from 11:00am to 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Henry’s name to Clermont Park in care of Christian Living Communities, 7000 E. Belleview Ave. #150, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 or to the Colorado Humane Society, 2080 S. Quebec St. Denver, CO 80231.
