Claude Isadore Smith

Claude was the youngest child born to Peter Nicholas Smith and Margaret Regina (Sauser) Smith in Mt. Angel Oregon. He attended High School at Mt Angel Seminary as a “day scholar,” the only high school for boys in town. During World War II, he joined the US Navy serving aboard the USS Flint in the Pacific. His ship was in Tokyo Bay, Japan during the signing of the Peace Document. After the war he returned to Mt Angel to finish high school before attending the University of Portland. While attending college he started a part-time job with the General Paint Company, eventually purchased by Glidden Paint. This turned into a 40-year career, starting as a general errand boy before finishing as a top Industrial Sales Representative providing tank loads of coating to the wood products industry throughout the northwest.

A devout Catholic throughout his life CI joined the Knights of Columbus at age 18. He was recently recognized by the National Supreme Knight for his 80 years of outstanding service. The St Vincent de Paul Society at St Anthony’s was very dear to his heart, putting in countless hours to help the less fortunate.

As an avid outdoorsman he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with family, friends and colleagues. The freezers held the evidence of his successful hunting and fishing trips. He especially enjoyed the annual stag weekend with former schoolmates in Abiqua City, CI being the last of the group to pass on.

CI married Patricia Jones in St. Paul, Oregon in 1950 and they made their home in Newberg. Together they were blessed with seven children over the years: Barbara, Patrick, Paula, Nancy, Colleen, Lillian, and Julianne. They moved to Tigard in 1958. After the children were successfully raised CI and Pat enjoyed golf, square dancing and traveling. The annual USS Flint reunion was always a highlight. They enjoyed gardening with a beautifully cultivated yard full of flowers and vegetables.

CI is survived by his beloved children: Barbara Smith (Wayne Pruner), Patrick (Vicky), Paula (Bill) Vokoun, Nancy (Marty) Scott, Lillian (Bill) Matthews, Julianne (Steve) Taylor, fourteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He was predeceased by Patricia, his wife of 64 years, and daughter Colleen. He was also predeceased by all his 6 siblings and all his first cousins.

A Rosary will be held at Young’s Funeral Home on the evening of Thursday, May 30 at 7:00 pm. A funeral Mass will follow at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Tigard on Friday, May 31 at 10:00 am, with a reception to follow. Services conclude with a committal at 2 pm, at Calvary Cemetery in Mt. Angel, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Angel Abby, PO Box 497, St Benedict, Oregon 97373 or visit www.mountangelabbey.org

You may also watch St. Anthony Catholic Church's live stream. Please visit them at www.satigard.org and click on "Videos of Mass". The live stream will begin 5 minutes before the Mass.