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We are here to express our deepest sorrow and appreciation for the time we spent with a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son and friend, Jeffrey Earl Smith! On Oct. 25, 2024, Jeff passed away peacefully at his home in Wasco, Oregon, at the age of 62, with his wife Paula by his side. He was born on May 25, 1962, in Pittsburg, California, to the parents of Richard and Helen Smith. Jeff, along with his parents and brothers Tim and Dan, moved to Albany, Oregon, when Jeff was 7.
Jeff was very involved in basketball and baseball in his younger years, along with hunting when he was old enough. Great family times and experiences were made. Still not sure we have heard all the stories from these hunting outings with the Smith and Bean families! Jeff went on many hunting trips with his dad. I think his favorite was when he, Zach, cousin Todd and Richard went to Colorado to elk hunt, and he came home with a 5x5.
When Jeff was old enough, he went to work in the strawberry fields. He quickly realized that this was a lot of work for little pay! The neighborhood Jeff grew up in brought together a lot of friends that to this day are still a part of his life. This close-knit group of friends emerging from grade school until his death have been along for the ride from traveling, camping, playing sports (especially his golf family), raising families together and just general get togethers. Jeff would come up with ideas of things to do with all these friends and families just to keep in contact with everyone.
After graduating from West Albany High School in 1980, Jeff with his friend Marty went on a trip to Hawaii to visit another classmate Mark and quickly ran out of money. He realized he needed a good job that paid well so that he could keep traveling and to eventually buy a house. He started working for the paper/pulp mill in Halsey, Oregon, for 25 years. During this time he met his “future” wife Paula at the so-called establishment “The Buzz Saw.” From the first moment they met, they were inseparable for the next 34 years. They raised two wonderful sons, Derek and Zachary.
Jeff's love of the game baseball led him to be the freshman baseball coach at West Albany and eventually being involved with his boys many youth baseball seasons. Jeff also realized that he had married a sports enthusiast who supported his many activities with the boys. A lot of the time, you would see both Jeff and Paula coaching together! Jeff was an avid Oregon State fan and the family along with many of his close-knit friends would attend many OSU vs U of O games. His team lost to the ducks more times than won. “GO DUCKS.”
When Jeff retired from the pulp mill, he and the family moved to Wasco to work at the wind turbines; God bless him that he didn't mind heights! He worked for 10 years and then retired. Next up, he started driving the school bus for North Wasco County School District and Sherman School District. Somehow his sister-in-law Lisa talked him into driving for her. Funny note: Anyone who knew Jeff knew he did not have very much patience with his own kids and now he is going to drive a school bus with noisy and loud kids!
Jeff's greatest reward was always being supported by his mom and dad. They showed him how to be caring and loving in any relationship in his life. Support from family and friends will get you through anything that life throws at you! On his last day, he said the worst thing of passing away will be missing his family and friends!
Jeff is survived by his wife Paula; sons Derek, Zachary (Kelsey); and his beautiful, wonderful granddaughter Josie Joy, 2, and Brewer J., born soon after Jeff’s passing. He is also survived by his parents Richard and Helen, brother Dan and Aunt Gail, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Tim, Aunt Gina, Aunt Sharon and Uncle Mike.
Funeral services are planned for Nov. 22 with a viewing at Wasco Community Church from 10-11:30 a.m. and graveside services at Sun Rise Cemetery in Wasco at 1 p.m. A celebration of life will be held on Nov. 23 at The Dalles Middle School from noon to 3 p.m., with a light luncheon being served. Please join family and friends and bring your memories and stories of Jeff’s well lived life.
In lieu of flowers, Jeff’s family requests memorials be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.