Ward Smith

Visitation: Friday, April 24, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth

Funeral Service: Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth

Burial: will follow in the family plot of the Forsyth Cemetery

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. Ward Lee Smith, 53, passed away on April 18, 2009 at Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth, surrounded by friends and family.

Ward was born in Forsyth, Montana on June 16, 1955 to George and Helen (Starr) Smith. After spending his first years growing up in Colstrip, Ward moved to Forsyth with his family. Ward was baptized and confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church. He attended school in Forsyth, graduating from Forsyth High School in 1973.After graduation, Ward was employed by C&E Construction where he worked in Colstrip on the power plant expansion. In June 1975, he was hired as a brakeman and later worked as a conductor for Burlington Northern Railroad. In 2005, Ward was honored by his friends and coworkers as Employee of the Year for the Forsyth area. Ward retired in 2007, after 32 years of dedicated service.

In 1982, Ward met and fell in love with Ruth Bolte. They were married in Forsyth on May 20, 1983. To this union, they were blessed with 3 children; Kimberly Jo, Jessica Jean, and Christopher Robert. Ward loved spending time with friends and family, especially when it involved the outdoors. He always looked forward to camping and fishing in the summertime, and his annual hunting trips with his brother and son. He also enjoyed chasing after his three kids during their many extracurricular activities, whether it meant coaching softball or attending countless basketball, tennis, or football games. Wards personality shined most when he was playing pool. He played many years on league teams, and never hesitated to participate in a friendly game just for fun.

Ward was preceded in death by his father, George Smith, his mother, Helen Smith and a baby brother.

Ward is survived by his wife, Ruth; his daughters, Kimberly of Colstrip, MT; and Jessica of Sheridan, WY; his son, Christopher of Forsyth; brother, Bob (Karen) Smith of Eureka, MT; a sister, Marion (Joe) Lance of Vernal, UT; and two very close friends, Dave and Vicki Lane of Forsythe.