John Michael Smith

After a long and hard fought battle with cancer, John went peacefully into the arms of our Lord on December, 9, 2017. He was born September 28, 1946 at Fairfield, Idaho. The family moved to Clarkston, WA where John attended school until he joined the Army at the age of 17. He served 2 1/2 years in before being honorably discharged. He lived in Spokane while working for an Associates Degree in business from Spokane Falls Community College. He married Wanda Gillespie at that time; had one daughter, and they divorced in 1978. John also received a diploma in Marine and Small Engine Repair at Lewis-Clark State College. It was there he met Pat, and they were married September 18, 1979. After moving to Spokane in 1985, John worked for a pest/weed control company, as a machinist for Columbia Lighting for 6 years, and then as a custodian until his failing health caused him to retire. He was a long term member of Audubon Park Masonic Lodge.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Rilla Smith, one brother and two sisters. He is survived by his loving wife, Pat, sisters June Gillespie of Lawrence, KS; Edna Segan of Poulsbo, WA; daughter Shirley Smith, Las Vegas, NV; 4 step-children: Steve Garrett(Mary), Port Orchard, WA; Bill Garrett, Boulder City, NV; Penny Bosshardt (Russ), Culdesac, ID; and Lori Garrett, Fayetteville, NC. He and Pat were blessed with 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Hospice of Spokane and Hospice House North. A very special thank you to Dr. Kirk Lund, his nurses, chemotherapy nurses, and office staff for the very loving care they all showed John during his times there.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Airway Heights Baptist Church.