Daniel “Dan” Raymond Smith, of Helena, passed away suddenly on the afternoon of December 30, 2012 due to natural causes, while working the job that he had long loved.
Dan was born in Great Falls, MT on May 7, 1952. He was the son of Chuck and Doris Smith. Dan grew up and attended school in Canyon Ferry, Missoula, Great Falls and Chester. As a young man, Dan worked numerous jobs, including Park Caretaker for the Montana Fish and Game.
After graduating high school, Dan married Debra Gail Zuidema in 1975 in Great Falls. The newlyweds then moved to Helena to allow Dan to attend Vo-Tech to become a welder for Armor Metal. In 1981, Dan began his career with Montana Power Company, where he worked for 20 years and continued with NorthWestern Energy for an additional 11 years. During this time, he also achieved his Plumbers License, winning the title of Montana State Plumber and Pipe Fitter “Rookie of the Year” in 1991 and First Place Pipe Fitter in the Montana Apprenticeship Contest in 1993. He was very well-known and respected for his skills, hard work, dedication, sense of humor and the positive relationships he formed throughout the city of Helena.
Dan loved the Montana outdoors, including camping, bow and rifle hunting, fishing, sledding and snowmobiling. Dan had a passion for photography, classic cars and collectible guns and enjoyed playing horseshoes and cribbage with his friends and family. He loved his dog “Prints” and his cat “Schmidt” dearly. His pride and joy were his granddaughters, Arionna and Annabelle, whom he loved with all his heart and often took out out for adventures with grandpa across the city. Dan was also an excellent trap shooter and a member of the Helena Gun Club, where he had many friends and had served on the board for several years.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Chuck and Doris Smith. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Smith, and his children, Rebecca Tveit and Marc Smith. Dan is the grandfather to Arionna and Annabelle Smith. He also survived by his brother, Larry Smith, his sisters, Patty Smith and Rita Connelly, his mother-in-law, Delories Hoffer, his son-in-law, Brian Tveit, his daughter-in-law, Jolene Green, his sister-in-law, Valerie Zeleniak, his brother-in-laws, Rick Zuidema, Raymond Zuidema, Randy Zeleniak and Jerry Connelly, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed by his family and his many, many friends and acquaintances.
A memorial reception celebrating Dan’s life will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, January 5th, at NorthWestern Energy.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Brenda Brewer says
Debbie and Family I’m so sorry for you loss, it is a loss to all that new him and even those who didn’t. I’m not sure I ever met anyone with a bigger heart and willingness to help his fellow man.
There isn’t one member of my family that can say Dan didn’t assist them in some way, at one time or another. One of my favorite memories is the time Dan got a few of his friends together at the Gun Club to help me and my daughter-in-laws learn to shoot trap.
I loved listening to him talk about Arianna, he adored that little girl. I’m sure he is watching over her as I write this.
My last conversation with Dan was right before Christmas. He felt so fortunate to have all the family together and Canyon Ferry for the Holidays. I’m so glad you all had that time together.
Dan you will be missed more than you probably could’ve know.
Brenda and Pat Brewer
Kevin and Donna Forkan says
We are so sorry for the loss of Dan. What a great person he was. A very sincere and hard working man with a heart of gold. Our sincere sympathy goes out to you Debbie and your Family. Sharing your loss~ Kevin and Donna.
Ron & Nanette Hicks says
We are very sorry to hear your hearts were broken. He will always stay close to your hearts with the memories you shared with him. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Ron & Nan
PS Ron says he’ll think of him every May and tip one in his memory.
Ken & Freddie Haab says
We were so srrry to hear that Dan was taken from you so suddenly. We always enjoyed playing crib with Dad at cribbage club. Our thoughts and prayers are of the family he loved.
ExxonMobil P&BA Group says
We were so sad to hear of Rebecca’s father’s passing so suddenly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and our colleague.
Jeff & Bobbi Hoffer says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Dan’s family.
It is so difficult.
We will miss him.
Jeff & Bobbi
Rebecca & Albert Ihm says
Becca, we are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Love you!
TOM HOYER says
Dan’s Family, I’m so sorry for your loss he was a great man. And he will be missed very much by me and my family!
Mike Sedlock says
Debbie I’m so sorry to learn about Dan’s Passing. Our families lived on 7th avenue in Great Falls and us kids ran around together. Dan was a great guy and will surely be missed by many. My condolences to your family and Dan’s siblings.
Jennifer Hicks says
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joanne says
I am sorry to read of the passing of Dan. My husband, Jim, respected and enjoyed working with him at Montana Power. My prayers are with your family.
dennis neigel says
my heart is broken for my lack of contact. i am in shock and so sori
Digger says
I’m rellay into it, thanks for this great stuff!