Louie “Lou” Smith

11/15/1923 – 10/08/2012
Louie Smith, age 88, passed away October 8, 2012 in  Bellingham. He was born November  15, 1923 in Ellensburg, WA to Minerva and Henry Smith. Louie graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1942. Soon after the Pearl Harbor attack he joined the Navy. Most of the 3 years he served as a Sonar Technician on the Navy destroyers U.S.S. Stockton and U.S.S. Bennion. He and his wife Jean (Holmes) married on January 6, 1946 and have over 66 years together and 2 sons. Louie retired from Ford Motors and later from Met Life. Louie’s favorite recreation was boating with his family in the San Juan Islands. He also enjoyed golf and R.V. travel. Louie was confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He was a devout Christian with a philosophy that life was better with humor. He never let a day go by without sharing a joke or a bit of humorous wisdom. Louie loved meeting new people and making everyone’s day brighter. Those fortunate enough to have contact with him received a peppermint patty, which was his way of letting them know they were special. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Ray, Jay and Al, sisters; Dessie and Dorothy and grandson Daniel. He is survived by his loving wife Jean, sons Gary (Pamela) of Blaine and James (Marye Pat) of Stanwood, granddaughters Christy (Paul) Schroeder of Blaine and Chelsea Dacres-Smith of La Conner (Kevin Andrews and his children Jude and Fern), grandson Nathan (Jennie) of Anchorage, AK and many loving relatives and friends. Thank you to the Hospice Staff for the wonderful care of Louie during his illness.