Donald Wayne Smith

Donald Wayne Smith was born Sept. 5, 1929 to Jessie May and William Grover Smith of Joliet, Ill. He grew up the youngest of several brothers and sisters. Don considered his stepfather, Henry Fippinger, his true dad.

Joining the Army Air Forces in January 1948, his military service brought him to Spokane and Fairchild Air Force Base. While stationed there he met the love of his life, Ruth. Their first date was at Fish Lake Resort near Cheney. Their courtship lasted three months and they married Aug. 9, 1952 in Superior, Mont. They began marriage with $5 between them.

After an honorable discharge, Don worked as a logger, operating engineer and pipeliner throughout the west. "Smitty" was a longtime member, foreman and superintendent of Operating Engineers Local 370.

Donald remained a true mentor throughout his life to countless young men and women. He would finish his working years as a rancher after he and Ruth purchased "Smithville." The "Hanging S Ranch" has been a treasured family heritage for over 50 years.

Donald was a skilled woodsman, he loved fishing, hunting and flying. Papa Don often said "God is no flatlander" a reference to his tremendous love for the mountains of Northeastern Washington. The family had a mountain cabin for family and friends. Don and Ruth's extraordinary life together spanned 64 years, and was built on four guiding principles - love and forgiveness, work hard and play hard.

For Papa Don, his family was the most important part of his life. Smitty was always bringing laughter to every situation. Anyone who encountered Don could never forget him. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for those who touched his heart.

Donald leaves behind his loving wife Ruth, three devoted children: Mitchell Smith (Karen), Donald "Rob" Smith and Cherie Moss (Craig). He is survived by brothers and sisters Boone and Ann Cameron of Deer Park, Wash., as well as Tom and Mary Rinehart of Blue Ridge Ga.; eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and a dearly loved extended family.

A memorial service will be held at the Cheney Funeral Chapel, 1632 W. First St. in Cheney, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Matthew Manville Scholarship Fund: ewu.edu/manvillescholarship. Visit Donald's online guestbook at cheneyfuneral.com.