June 29, 1921 – November 8, 2012
Charles Guy Smith loving known as Chuck or Charlie was born June 29th 1921, in John Day, Oregon to Daisy L and Gideon A. Smith. He grew up in Canyon City where he graduated from Grant High School. He later moved to Hood River. He met his wife of 58 years, Thais Neal, in The Dalles. Thais passed away in 2003.
Mr. Smith’s entire career was with the US Army Corps of Engineers, where he began as a jack hammer operator on the Columbia River Dam Project. He was a self motivated man, always looking at ways to educate himself. Charles position with the Corps of Engineers located him in The Dalles, Cottage Groove, Dorina, McNary, Walla Walla, and Portland. He had opportunities to travel to Alaska, Montana, around the Pacific Northwest, Washington DC, Germany, Italy, and Panama. He remained with the Corps for 40 years, receiving many honors and recognition for his service as Chief Personnel Officer of the North Pacific Division.
A few years following his retirement he and Thais relocated to The Dalles until 2003 when they moved to Aloha.
Charlie was a hunter, golfer and an avid fly fisherman, spending many a day on the Hood, Deschutes, and John Day rivers, teaching his kids and grandkids the way to catch a fish. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing. He always had a beautiful well tended garden, his roses and rhodies were his favorites.
Charles was the last of 7 children, Trueman, Forrestal, Marvell, Daisy, Iola, and John. All have preceded him.
He and Thais had 4 children, Donna McCoy, The Dalles, Pam Westgaard, Aloha, Beverly Herried, Portland, Lyle Smith, The Dalles., 6 grandchildren, Dave McCoy, Jenifer Westgaard, Rebecca Erickson, Keith Westgaard, Anthony Herried, Beverly Smith, and Johanna King (Smith) , and 8 great-grandchildren, Evelyn Erickson, Nessa McCoy, Aubrie Erickson, Kimberly Smith, Molly Erickson, Charlie Westgaard, Gideon Erickson, and Leo Westgaard. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Chuck was a member of the Elks Club in The Dalles. At the time of his death he was living at Clare Bridge Memory Care Facility in Beaverton.
The disposition was by cremation and at his request no services will be held. Remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Pegg, Paxson, & Springer Chapel in Beaverton, OR.
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