Roland L. ‘Smitty’ Smith

Sept. 9, 1921 — Sept. 16, 2009

HAYDEN — Roland L. “Smitty” Smith, of Hayden, died on Wednesday, Sept.16, 2009, at the Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs following a brief illness. He was 88.

Roland was born on Sept. 9, 1921, in Admire, Kan. the son of Walter and Jenny (Coats) Smith. He was raised and attended school in Admire. Roland moved to the Gunnison, Colo. area in 1940 and it was there that he met his future wife Bonnie Hicks. Shortly after that he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served for several years.

When he returned from the war, he and Bonnie were married on April 14, 1946, in Gunnison. Roland was a carpenter, cabinet builder and truck driver and later a heavy equipment operator in road construction work which he continued to do for the remainder of his working years. Roland and his family lived in various places including Eckert, Delta, Craig, Grand Junction and Hayden, Colo.

He enjoyed his various occupations and was a person who could fix most anything. He also enjoyed haying. Roland was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge in Eckert, Colo.

He is survived by his daughters, Patricia A. Richardson and her husband Jack of Steamboat Springs, Colo. and Rhonda K. Smith of Fresno, Calif.; his son, David L. Smith and his wife Kathy of Hayden, Colo.; his grandchildren, Jeremiah and Aaron Smith, Kristi Richardson, Jacob and Joshua Jimenez; his great-grandchildren Hailee, Josee and Jace Smith; and his brother, Lamoyne Smith of Topeka, Kan.

Roland was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; his parents, Walter and Jenny; and a brother, Ivan.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services were held on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at the Church of Christ in Delta, Colo. with Pastor Wayne Kitchens officiating.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Assoc. and Hospice in care of Grant Mortuary, 621 Yampa Ave. Craig, CO 81625.