Obituary: John Smith

He was a skilled tractor driver in the dusty orchards, performed every job available in numerous restaurants and in 1977 served as a vigilant first responder with the Wasco Rural Fire Protection District. John worked in the supermarket industry for 10 years in The Dalles, Marsing (Idaho), Bend, Oregon City, Portland, and Vancouver. In 1987, John graduated from Trend College, Vancouver, and found his true calling, as a professional bookkeeper for 25 years until health issues forced early retirement.

For more than four decades, John was a familiar sight cruising in and around The Dalles in his fully restored, dark blue, 1956 Chevy Pickup.

John believed in the maxim “Work hard, play hard.” A natural athlete, he enjoyed multiple team sports growing up. A gifted swimmer and diver, his antics on favorite Mosier Creek swimming holes — The Pocket, Sixteen Hole, Upper 16 Hole — were legendary. At 25, he boldly dived off a 55-foot-high basalt precipice into the mighty Columbia River.

John’s two lifelong passions were fishing and golf, the former primarily with Gary Gast, his close friend of more than 50 years. John and foster brother and lifelong buddy Bob Mortenson were golf partners for decades and in their 50s especially pleased to renew their friendly rivalry at China Creek GC in Arlington.

Blessed with an unsurpassed love and respect for the great outdoors and God’s creatures who thrive therein, Mount Hood and Lost Lake were first among equals for John, though he enjoyed the stunning vista views throughout Wasco County, all along with the Deschutes, Klickitat and Hood Rivers and the whole of the Columbia River Gorge. Along the journey — at home, school, work and play — John forged lifelong friendships. His unique manner of speaking, honesty, and sense of humor truly served to uplift and enrich the lives of family and friends.

John was rightfully proud of his beautiful home of 20 years at Foley Lakes. His manicured lawn and expert landscaping were the envy of the neighborhood. In addition to the Allen and Mortenson families, as a teenager John resided with foster parents Herman and Jeannie Bagge in Mosier and Jim and Lucille Torgeson in The Dalles.

In 2013, John survived a major heart attack and his health gradually deteriorated from the effects of emphysema, COPD and Peripheral Artery Disease. In 2018, he entered hospice and moved into Assisted Living at Flagstone in The Dalles, where he long served as an effective advocate for other residents.

An abiding faith in God long served as his anchor and gave John strength and peace as he endured the loss of his mother and four siblings. And enabled him to face his health challenges head-on with inspiring grace, dignity and courage.

The family would like to extend thanks to the entire Bristol Hospice team, especially John’s caregiver Megan Reed for her compassion and countless acts of kindness. And to Doctors Lisa Pearson and Sonia Schuemann, multiple nurses, and the dedicated staff at the Mid-Columbia Medical Center. Sincere thanks to foster sister Mary Ann Hay (Mortenson), Gary Gast and Bob Mortenson for their love and ongoing support of John and family throughout this challenging time.

John was preceded in death by beloved mother Joanne Adeline Smith in 1971 and his father James F.M. Smith (2005). And by sister Sheila (1956), brother Daniel (2011), sister Patrica (2012) and brother Patrick (2018). He additionally forged a steadfast bond and friendship with late brother-in-law Roger Muma (2016).

John is survived by dear elder sister Florence Muma of Battle Ground, Washington, and his beloved nieces Julie, Jennifer, and Heather, along with 13 grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews, each of whom “Uncle John” was so proud.

Services are planned for 1 p.m. on Friday, June 27 at Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to watch livestream of John’s service or to leave a note of condolence for family. In lieu of flowers donation in memory of John can be made to Providence Hospice of the Gorge c/o Anderson’s Tribute Center.