Walter Dee Smith

Dee Smith, 80, of Olympia, passed away at St Peter Hospital on March 26, 2013, surrounded by family. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 19, 1932, the son of Walter and Dolly Smith. He grew up in the Salt Lake City area where he graduated early, at the age of 16, from East High School in 1949. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army with his intent being to fulfill his patriotic obligation during peacetime. However, within 6 months he was sent to Korea, as the conflict commenced. He always referred to it as his “senior trip”. He spent his 18th Birthday in a foxhole. He ended up being medically evacuated to Walter Reed Hospital. After being released, he was honorably discharged, and returned to Salt Lake City where he married Esther, the love of his life, and started his family. He also attended the University of Utah. He moved to the Olympia area with his family in the spring of 1957 where he worked for Thurston County, the City of Tumwater, and finally the City of Olympia. He retired from the City of Olympia, Building Department, after 30 years. While with the City, he enjoyed working with the public and developed lifelong friendships.

Dee and Esther celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last June.

Dee is survived by his wife Esther Smith (Olympia); daughter Jeri Lynne & her husband Larry Schmidt (Roy); son Kevin & his wife Diana Smith (Olympia); grandchildren Sarah & her husband Sam Rowswell (Lacey) & Scott Smith (Portland); and great-grandchildren Ethan, Evan, & Elijah Rowswell (Lacey); and many friends and extended family.

Dee loved people, he knew no strangers, and everyone was a friend. He enjoyed helping others, as a former District Commander and Post Commander of the Tumwater American Legion Post 166. He was a Charter member and was deeply committed to the organization for 46 years. He spent countless hours and travelled many miles for the benefit of all veterans and the community. He took part in every 4th of July parade dressing up as “Uncle Sam” or a clown to the delight of the crowd. He took great pleasure and gratification in pleasing others.

Dee loved to travel, cruise, camp, and he was especially fond of old movies, old Westerns in particular. He also enjoyed golf, thrilled with the opportunity to once having visited St Andrews in Scotland. He was a devoted Seahawk fan. Dee loved to go out to dinner and most of all, enjoyed being with his family.

March 4th (forth) was always his favorite day… another reason to celebrate and go out to dinner (as if he needed a reason).

Dee was a Patriotic American. He loved his family and his country.

He will be truly missed….