Roger M. Smith

Roger M. Smith loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend to many, passed away on September 7, 2023 at Logan Health Medical Center at the age of 87after a brief illness.

Born July 16 1936 in Omaha Nebraska, Roger was raised in Washington State in North Seattle. He attended Edmonds High School. While in school he was recruited to work for Morris Graves, a renowned painter/artist, caring for his home “Careladen” and tending to many exotic animals. In 2014 Roger attended his 60^th High School reunion.

Faith was the cornerstone of his life and he continued his study of the Bible right up to his passing, sharing and discussing scripture with his sister Connie.  A member of the Gospelaires, a Christian music group that performed and recorded in the Pacific Northwest, he was proficient on many different instruments.

Roger began working as a cable splicer for Pacific NW Bell and retired as a Project Engineer for Mid-State Consultants. The job entailed relocation periodically, and Roger left lifelong friends wherever he landed.

Model railroading was a lifelong hobby he shared with his father John and eventually many close friends in his local community. Until recently, the railroad group met weekly to swap stories and discuss all things train. Clint Anderson was one of those guys and a true friend.  He shared his love of trains and was there to help Roger at a moment’s notice. 

Following his retirement he drove a shuttle for train crews out of the Whitefish, Montana Station and then volunteered at a local rescue shelter for cats and dogs,  a lifelong pet lover, he enjoyed caring for the cats and had a knack for winning over shy or feisty kitties. Listening to gospel and bluegrass on You Tube was a favorite pastime along with monitoring live cams from rail stations around the world.

Roger leaves behind the love of his life, wife  Lois, his two sons William “Dan” Smith (Kathy), Larry Smith (Debra), sister Connie Bethard (Bill),  Step-sons Michael and Daniel Tollefson, many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews Cousins and devoted friends. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Irene Smith and his sister Donna.