Basketball Star. Marine. Husband. Father. Grandfather. Great Grandfather. On April 3, 2018, a great man answered the call to enter the Kingdom of Heaven following a brief illness.
Born in Townsend, MT, Ronald L. ‘Speed’ Smith called Manhattan home in his formative years. There, as a standout point guard, Speedy terrorized Class C basketball courts around the state with his dribbling, passing and outside shooting, helping the Manhattan Tigers earn their first ever state championship in 1964.
In September 1967, Speed married the love of his life Connie Gordon, also of Manhattan. For over 50 years, the two would remain nearly inseparable until his passing. Also in that same year, Speedy enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam as a decorated Scout/Sniper.
In August 1971, Speed and Connie welcomed the birth of their first child Lisa, followed by son Mike two years later.
For the bulk of his working life, Speedy plied his trade as a butcher between Three Forks and the Amsterdam store outside of Manhattan. When not working, a great deal of his time was spread between his passions of fishing, working in the yard, playing golf and in later years, tracing his genealogy. One of his favorite memories was travelling to Kootenai Lake in British Columbia with his brother-in-law Jack and earning introduction into the 25-pound club by landing two Rainbows over 25 pounds.
None of these pastimes, however matched the love he had for his family, especially his grandchildren.
Ron is survived by his wife Connie, daughter Lisa(Warwick), son Michael, grandchildren Hannah, Brock, Chloe, Daniel, Peyton and Brady, and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Bob, Dave, Carol, Linda, Bill, Jackie and Marilyn.
The world has scarcely known a more humble and giving person. He will be greatly missed.
Speed was buried with full military honors at the Meadowview Cemetery in Manhattan.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Joan Bos says
We want to express our sympathy to all of you. I loved working with Speed at the Amsterdam Store, he taught me a lot. May God be with you and comfort you. Joan Bos
Karen Clifford Manly says
My heart is sad that Speed is gone but it only took an an instant for Jesus to welcome him home. During our high school years he brought such pride and joy to the school with his basketball skills. And add to that his outgoing friendly personality he was one of the nicest people I ever met. When I moved to Helena I was delighted to find that he lived in my neighborhood. I had the chance to visit with him at the mailboxes or over the fence as our dogs greeted each other. My condolences go to Connie and the rest of his family.
Karen Clifford Manly says
RIP
Julie (Love) Schmautz says
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Speedy. We we’re neighbors for years and I went to school with Lisa and Mike. Speedy and Connie we’re good to us and I appreciated their kindness. I’m so thankful that we know we will see our loved ones again in heaven someday. May God comfort you as you grieve your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you!
Lura Versland Aisenbrey says
So sorry to all of you for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam Marburger Bryson says
So very saddened for your family..he was a wonderful person
Terry &Shelley Swart says
We are so sorry for your loss. Speed will always be remembered for his kindness and love for all his family.
Clay Robinson says
Speed was a wonderful guy. Wish we could have spent more time together after high school. Time waits for no one.
He could shoot and pass the ball. He passed me many . The long and the short of class C basketball. He will be missed. My prayers go out to Connie and the family, prayer for comfort and He is the only one that can comfort in times like this. Jesus said that He would go and prepare a place for us, that where He is we can be also. What a wonderful promise from our Lord and Savior.
Lizzy Cruz says
Speedy was on of my dad’s favorite basketball players. He was also a good friend to the Cruz family. My condolences to Connie, his family and everyone who love him.
John Hess says
Condolences to the family. I remember Speedy’s family lived in a trailer behind the old Manhattan post office. He hung up a Folger’s coffee can to the wall and would spend hours dribbling and shooting a tennis ball through the can. My last meeting with him was during the 1968 harvest season when he worked at the Bozeman elevator. He was always so friendly and warm.
Ken Sauskojus says
I know that I am late with this posting. It is Veterans day 2018. I always think of Speed on Veterans Day, I was privileged and honored that he shared his Military days of service with me. Thought I would look him up and give him a call today, sadly I was unaware of his passing.
I got to know Speed through the Amsterdam Store, deliver bread out there for many years. From the second I met Speed I could tell he was someone very special, someone that I wanted to know and call my friend.
Don’t wait to call a friend and tell them how much they are loved and appreciated, I cant do that today so I’ll have to talk to him in Heaven.
Connie, my deepest regret of the loss of our Beloved Speed.
Ken Sauskojus, Bread guy
Dan Ogle says
I just found out Speed passed away today 6/4/2020. I was contacted by speed about 2010. He was working on family geneology and I was his second cousin but we didn’t know that then. We had many conversations about our Ancesters the Greaves family. His grandmother Mary was my grandmother Jennys Ogle older sister. I enjoyed our visits very much and exchange of family history. Although we never actually met, I knew he was a fine man and someone i wanted to know better. Im sorry that never happened.
I will see you in the place Jesus has saved for us Speed. Thanks for reaching out! My heart goes out to the family even at this late date.