Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Captain C. Walter Smith, age 81, passed away on June 6, 2018, in a Portland hospital surrounded by his family.
Walt was the oldest of five children and grew up in Umatilla and Portland, both in Oregon. He started working on boats on the Columbia River when he was young and spent the vast majority of his working life on the river as a tug boat captain. Walt was a devoted family man, always friendly, and was known for his big laugh and kind heart.
He married Janet Migaki in 1962 and raised two children in The Dalles, Ore.
He leaves behind his wife, Janet, The Dalles; children, Steve Smith (spouse Cary) of Tigard and Melissa Niezgoda (spouse Ken) of Happy Valley; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his sister Sylvia Costich of Cathlamet, Wash.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leland Smith of Umatillaand Learvia Galbraith of Umatilla; three siblings, Brian Galbraith of Umatilla, Gary Smith of Umatilla and Wannell (Lea) Thompson of St. Helens; and a nephew, Tracey Smith of Kennewick, Wash.
A memorial will be held on Sat. July 28, 2018 at 12 p.m. at The Columbia Portage Grill in the Shilo Inn, 3223 Bret Clodfelter Way, The Dalles.
The family will greet friends and share memories as we celebrate Walt’s life. Please feel welcome to share any stories and memories you have about Walt.
In lieu of flowers and or gifts, please consider making a donation to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation or a charity of your choice in Walt’s name.
Make your check payable to “The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.” Mail check and printable donation form to: 5526 West 13400 South, #510 Herriman, Utah 84096.
