Clyde Willard Smith Jr.

Clyde W. (Rick) Smith, Jr. passed away of complications from pneumonia on December 11, 2023, with his devoted wife by his side. He was born on February 06, 1949, in Washington D.C., to Bonnie Patton Smith and Clyde W. Smith, Sr.

Rick graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School, and the University of Texas, in Austin, with a Bachelor of Business Administration and completed his Graduate work on a Master of Public Accountancy. He was elected President, College of Business Administration Student Government, 1970-1971 and 1971-1972. Rick was honored as an Outstanding Student, College of Business Administration, 1971, and a member of the Delta Sigma Pi, Professional Business Fraternity. He loved his time at U.T. and forged many friendships there.

Rick became active in a number of professional organizations during his career. Memberships and elective positions include Financial Executives International, Chairman of Arrangements and Hospitality Committee; Houston Estate and Financial Forum, President and Member of the Board of Directors, The Estate Forum; American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, Chairman of the Committee for Coordination with the Texas State Board of Accountancy.

Rick was very active participating with younger professionals particularly those recently graduating from school and trying to find their career path in life. After earning his credentials as a CPA, Rick spent the better part of two weeks each year monitoring the CPA exam for the Texas State Board of Accountancy. He took part in various committees of the Houston Chapter and Texas Society of CPA’s working to the betterment of the profession. He was elected as a member of Financial Executives International and was active therein both in Texas and Oregon.

Rick served in the tax departments of Arthur Andersen & Co., Peat Marwick, Mitchell & Co. (now KPMG), and Haskins & Sells (now Deloitte). He was promoted to serve as a manager of all his client engagements on behalf of these firms. From 1980 to 1985 Rick served as CFO and General Manager to Duncan Brothers Management Services. He was mentored by his dear friend John Duncan, and ultimately decided to go out on his own.

Rick joined the Board of Directors at Swift Energy in 1984 and stayed a member of the board for 32 years.

Before relocating to Oregon, he participated in a variety of sports and began playing bridge on a weekly basis. He played tennis and was a fierce competitor at the biweekly volleyball games, particularly if you were on the other side of the net. He piloted an old convertible which rarely had the top up and those riding in with him could often get a shower free of charge when it rained. Appropriately named the “War Wagon” after an old John Wayne movie, it should have been retired to a museum in the end.

Rick was Co-founder and owner of Ascentron, Inc., an electronic manufacturing services company in Southern Oregon. Rick and his partners purchased Ascentron, Inc. in January 2002, and he served as President there along with his wife Natalie until they sold the company and retired in October 2023.

Community was important to Rick, and he served on numerous boards within the Houston and Southern Oregon communities. He was a Board Member and Treasurer, Member of the Development Foundation, and Member of the Finance Committee of the San Jacinto Council of Girl Scouts. Board Member of Vocational Guidance Service, United Way Organization and United Way of Houston/Harris County. He was a Team Leader for the American Heart Association and a Board Member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley. Member on the committee for the Kid’s Unlimited “Raise the Roof” campaign. Rick had a big heart with a personality to match it, and he always wanted to help people, especially underprivileged children.

Rick loved traveling the country and traveling the world. He and Natalie were always planning their next trip. Some of their favorite trips included locations in New Zealand, South Africa, and Europe. Sailing adventures entered the scene and he treasured the trips to the San Juan Islands in The Pacific Northwest, the Ionian Sea in Greece, and Figi in the South Pacific. Rick promised Natalie that life would never be dull, and it wasn’t.

Rick married Natalie Dusing Smith in 2003 and they had a wonderful life together traveling, working together at Ascentron, and enjoying their many friends and family.

Rick treasured hunting ducks in Louisiana, cooking and entertaining family and friends. He loved spending time with his grandchildren who were always excited when “Papa Rick” made them their favorite macaroni and cheese or chicken pot pie.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie Patton Smith and Clyde W. Smith, Sr.

He is survived by his loving wife and professed soulmate of 20 years, Natalie Dusing Smith. He is also survived by his cherished children: son Ryan Smith; daughter Amie Lawler and husband, Mike; grandchildren Bethany Lawler, Adeline Lawler, Vincent Lawler, Alizebeth Lawler, Tabytha Lawler, Alixandra Lawler, Jarrid Cornell, Alyssa Cornell, Savannah Williams, Ryan Williams; and great- grandson, Xander Robles.

The Smith family wishes to express our sincere thanks for the many acts of kindness and outpouring of support as we bid farewell to our beloved patriarch.

We love you and will miss you, Rick!

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to: Parkinson’s Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, or to a charity of your choice.