Al Smith, 85, of Jordan, MT, went to be with his Lord on May 2nd, 2018. He was born in Brighton, CO, August 15th, 1932, to Andy and Molly (Wolf) Smith.
Al graduated from Westminster High School in 1950, attended Yankton College, then joined the United States Air Force where he served four years, in Iceland and at Travis AFB in California. He married Joyce Underwood. After her death at age 25, he moved from California to Colorado with their young two children, Andy and Vicki. There he met and married Clara Jane (Wille) Smith, on October 28, 1965. They had two children: adopted son, Willem Gerrit Smith and their son, Joel David Smith.
Al spent his younger adult years working in management at Lucky Stores in CA, and King Soopers in CO. Later he worked for Target Foods, then became a Representative for Retail Clerks Local #7. He found his best fit when he worked in sales at Sentinel Newspapers and finally selling print time for Intermountain Color in Boulder, CO.
Al loved people. He was a leader and a motivator. He belonged to Highland Baptist Church in Westminster, then to Heritage Community Bible Church in Arvada. He served as Deacon and as Chairman in both churches. He served as a lay pastor after moving to Jordan, MT, in the Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Assembly of God Churches.
Outings to the mountains in Colorado watching his boys play sports and race bicycles, attending his daughter’s piano recitals, or planning parties and cooking for friends and relatives, spending time with his daughter and her family were among his favorite activities. He was a gregarious and outgoing man, loved by many.
Al is survived by his wife of 52 years, Clara J. Smith and son Joel D. Smith, a daughter-in-law Karen Smith, granddaughter Rhiannen (Richard) Pappas and their three boys, granddaughter Stephanie (Bobbe) Rogers and their four children, his sisters Virginia Saunders, Donna (Dusty) Strickland, and his brother Kenny (Anne) Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew John Smith and Molly (Wolf) Smith, his first wife Joyce Underwood Smith, his brother Donald Smith, his sons Alvin Andrew Smith, Jr. and Willem Gerrit Smith, his daughter Victoria Marlene (Smith) Adams and grandson Alan Ray Smith.
The memorial service for Al will be May 23rd, 2018, at the Assembly of God Church, at 1:00 p.m. Interment has taken at the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan, MT.
Special thanks to the staff of the Garfield County Health Center, Dan Muniak, P.A., and Pastor Greg Wolf, and all Al’s friends and caregivers over the years. Because of these people Al was cared for and felt loved. Thanks for teasing him. It was his favorite thing.
Donations can be given to the Garfield County Health Center, the Assembly of God Church or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Cathy Byron says
Clara and Family –
He will be rejoicing. The last goodbye on this earth is filled with loss and tears. He was a man of faith and a guardian at heart. It was my pleasure to know him, even if briefly. My heart and prayers are with you now and in the days ahead.
Darrell & Emma Higgins says
Clara and families
Al was a kind man who always had a smile and kind word to say to everyone. I enjoyed each visit I had with him. He will be missed. He however is now in heaven with our Lord and Savior.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. God Bless you all
Karen Barnes says
Clara and family So sorry to hear of your loss. ending prayers and hugs to you all. Al was truly one of a kind and will be remembered by all who knew him
Phil and Darlene says
Sending Condolences and Prayers for Clara and family Al will be missed by all who knew him. I will always be Great full for all he did while on the Health Center Board . May you find comfort in Gods Love .
Leah Buffington says
Clara & Joel so sorry for your loss, but glad that Al’s pain and suffering is over. I got to know him at the Senior Center where he led the prayer at noon always. He had a great sense of humor!
Daniel & Audrey Guesanburu says
Clara and Joel, sorry to hear of Al’s passing. May he rest in peace. Daniel & Audrey
Tom & Claudia Stanton says
Clara, Joel and Family, Sorry to hear that Al has passed away. He will suffer no more and is happy in the
arms of his savior. God Bless, Tom, Claudia and Family
Bob and Jane Engdahl says
So sorry to hear of ALs passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Joel.
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Clara and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all.Al was always so friendly and such a wonderful person, he will be missed..
Karen Witt says
To Clara and Family,
My Deepest Sympathy to you all. I am glad I got to know Al and server with him on the Hospital Board.