Norman Smith

Norman Stanley Smith, 88, was called home to be with the Lord on Sept. 10, 2021.

Norman is survived by his wife, Donna Smith; children, Daniel and Lea Smith of Fortine, Susan and Lynn McAnally of Kalispell, Julie and David Dickerson of Utah, Eric and Veronica Smith of Oregon, Dawn and Glen Olson of Kalispell; his brother, Les Smith, and sisters, Phyllis Smith and Janet Stevens. He left grandchildren Christopher and Bethany Smith of Arizona, Emilee Olson of Arizona, Clarissa and Spencer Sammons of Vietnam, Rachel and Reese Hadley of Kalispell, Taylor Smith of Washington, Whitney and Nick Harding of Utah; and great-grandchildren, Rowyn and Raylee Hadley, Jessica Smith, Marshall Wanlass and Nora Harding.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Joann Smith, grandson Andrew Smith and infant son, Michael Smith.

Norman was born in Fort Benton to Joseph and Pauline Smith on Oct. 5, 1932. On Sept. 21, 1952, he married Donna Schoenleber in Bozeman. They were married for 68 years this September. Norman was drafted to service in the Army from 1955 to 1957. After the service Norman worked at various jobs and with four children made the decision to finish college and get his teaching degree. He attended Gonzaga University and graduated from Montana State University in 1965 with a teaching degree. He began teaching in Sunburst, Montana, and then moved to Whitefish in 1965 where he taught math at the junior high and then high school. Norman was a teacher in the Whitefish School District for 30 years. He spent summers first at Sweet Grass Port of Entry and then in Glacier National Park working as an immigration officer at Chief Mountain Port of Entry. He coached junior high basketball and was key club advisor at Whitefish High School for several years.

Norman loved the mountains, hunting with his “boys,” fishing and woodworking. He will be dearly missed by his family.

Norman chose to be cremated and his celebration of life will be held at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be served after the service. Norman’s wish was in lieu of cards or flowers that money be donated to St Jude’s.