Dean Smith passed away at his home on October 7 in the comfort of his family. Dean was born on September 27, 1957, in Grass Valley, California to Alvin “Bud” Smith and Lillian (Winton) Smith. He and his wife, Donna, were married in Bigfork along Flathead Lake in September 2011. He was a compassionate, hard-working, and incredibly loving husband, father, and man of faith. His infectious and humorous personality connected him immediately with everyone he met.
Dean had vast interests but mostly preferred to be outside above all else. His love of the outdoors started young with family camping trips and summers fishing, two things he continued to do throughout his life. Like his father, he loved keeping a beautiful yard and was always planting a tree. He was an incredible mechanic who could fix almost anything, including his daughters’ cars, several times. He loved a good project and tinkering in the garage. Whether on a canoe, fishing boat, or speedboat, Dean felt most at home on the water.
In 1995, Dean moved his family from Idaho to Helena to continue his career in propane. He retired as the Area Supervisor for a wholesale propane company but spent decades in propane safety, management, and everything in between. Out of school, Dean drove a truck hauling lumber and continued driving trucks throughout his life, something he considered more of a hobby than a job.
Dean is survived by his wife Donna Smith, children Megan (John) Staats, Kristin (Christopher) Cordingley, brother Neil (Heidi) Smith, and nephew Nick (Lisa) Rogers. Stepsons Travis Hausler, Bryan (Mackenzie) Hausler, and Jake (Alexis) Hausler. Grandchild Emelia Staats, and step-grandchildren Ben Hausler, Leah Hausler, Jaxon Hausler, Nash Hausler, and Axtyn Hausler. He is survived by many other loved ones, family, and friends.
Dean was preceded in death by Lillian Smith (mother), Alvin Smith (father), Gail Bolton (sister), and Marty Smith (brother).
A Memorial Service will be held in Helena on Saturday, October 15, at 11 am at Anderson Stevenson Wilke, 3750 N Montana Ave., and a reception will follow at Headwaters Taphouse. The family will spread his ashes on Flathead Lake, Dean’s favorite spot, on October 22.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at St. Peter’s Hospice for their love and extraordinary care. With special thanks to Dr. John Schaeffer and nurse Angelika Kirschenmann of Missoula.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for a donation to the ALS Association in his name. For information and to donate, visit donate.als.org.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 15, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 15, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Vanessa Tolson says
We are so saddened to see Dean passed. We have thought of you both so often since you moved missed not having you as neighbors. He was a great guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Dale and Cheryl Benso says
Our hearts were broken when we heard of Dean’s passing. Please know you have our sincerest condolences and our thoughts are with you during this time.
Love
Dale and Cheryl Benso
melinda Brown-stalions says
sorry to here of his passing, prays to his family great family loved taken care of his girls in Auburn ca daycare, praying.
Nancy Nys says
I am so sad to hear of Dean’s passing. I was not able to attend the funeral but the funeral home televised the service so I was able to attend remotely from Arizona. I would like to encourage people to give to their local ALS organization in Deans name to help fight this dreaded disease. Hugs to Donna and Deans family
Lorrie and Terry Grotbo says
Sending our sincere condolences to Dean’s family as you mourn this loss. May he rest in peace. Praying for comfort and strength as you grieve his passing. Special thoughts are with Megan and Kristin in these difficult days ahead. Lorrie and Terry Grotbo
Eric Smith says
Dean was one of the best people that I ever knew. He will be missed. I am sorry that he is gone.