Obituary: Smith, Dwayne Michael
Age 51
SMITH, Dwayne Michael “Doc”
Dwayne Michael Smith, aka “Doc”, 51, of Deer Park, Washington, died Tuesday, September 4, 2012 in Spokane after a courageous battle against lung cancer.
Born in Moses Lake, Washington on June 12, 1961 to Jack and Doreen Smith.
He grew up in Ephrata, Washington and graduated from Ephrata Senior High School in 1979.
Dwayne was a veteran of the United States Navy.
He was an avid hunter and enjoyed deer and elk hunting every fall.
He also was a passionate and enthusiastic hot air balloonist and got his start in Walla Walla, Washington.
He was featured there in May this year at the 38th Annual Walla Walla Balloon Stampede where he was able to fly as captain and was selected to pilot the hare balloon.
Dwayne also enjoyed camping, fishing, and a spirited game of poker.
His annual trip to Wallowa Lake, Oregon that began in childhood became an enduring annual tradition.
Dwayne had a heart of gold and was known for being a great friend, wonderful partner, and awesome dad.
His positive attitude and sense of humor was inspiring, and became an inspiration for many while battling cancer.
Even his caregivers were drawn in by his attitude of hope, his carefree humor, and his joy in the simple and silly things in life.
Dwayne is survived by his parents, Jack and Doreen Smith of Wenatchee, Washington, his daughter Kjrsten, his son Christopher, his partner Jeannie, her children Garret, Logan, and Brittany, his sister Lynette, his brother Greg, Greg’s wife Naomi, his nieces Claire and Madeleine, his nephew Calvin, Calvin’s wife Amanda and their son Beau and his Best Friend or as he called him his brother from another mother Bob.
The memorial service will be held at 1:30pm on October 12th, 2012 at Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake.