Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Smith, Richard J. “Dick”

Age 76

SMITH, Richard J.

“Dick” November 28, 1936 - September 9, 2013 R. J.

“Dick”, was an only child born to Walter and Bernardine Smith in South Gate, CA.

He grew up in Compton/Long Beach, CA.

He graduated from St. Anthony’s High School in 1954.

He went on to attend Compton Junior College, Eastern State University and Ball State University with a Doctorate of Education in Psychology.

He worked as a Clincial Psychologist at Eastern State Hospital until he retired in 2010.

R. J. joined the Air Force in 1960 until his retirement in 1990 as Lieutenant Colonel.

His military career was varied and he spent approximately 10 years of it on temporary duty (TDY) in Vietnam.

He amassed 506 combat hours, a military record, as a B-52 electronic warfare officer.

He developed a love of skiing, learning at the age of 30 and going on to instruct others.

He spent most of his weekends skiing at Schweitzer Basin, Idaho.

R. J. met his wife, Susan, while stationed in Germany.

They married in the Heidleberg Castle in 1976.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Susan, daughter Aislinn Smith of Spokane and son Ryan Smith, Captain USAF stationed at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Parish, 219 E. Rockwood Blvd.

(enter on 10th Ave.), on Friday, September 27, at 10:00am with a reception to follow.

Interment will be on Monday, September 30, at 10:30am at WA State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spokane Veterans Home, 222 East 5th Ave., Spokane, WA 99202.