Sherman C. “Ken” Smithson, 83, passed away from natural causes on November 23, 2014, in Helena Montana.
Born February 24, 1931, in Tacoma, Washington, he moved to Montana as a child and graduated from High School in Whitefish in 1949. On January 27, 1951, he married Barbara B. Welch. They had four children and were married until her passing on July 6, 1988. On March 4, 1989, he married Betty L. Smith in Helena. Ken’s entire work career was associated with the logging industry. He built Champion International’s Silver City Saw Mill in 1963 and managed that operation until his retirement in February, 1988.
Ken is survived by: wife – Betty; sister – Faith Ferency of Spokane, Washington; sons – Darrell (Debbie) Smithson, Dale (Debbie) Smithson, and Michael W. Smithson, all of Helena; son-in-law, Ben Vetter of Butte; stepchildren – Debbie (Jim) Hankinson of Brenda, Arizona; Dan (Mattie) Smith of McMinnville, Oregon; Dale Smith of Searchlight, Nevada; and Don Smith of Grand Rounde, Oregon; six grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by first wife, Barbara; daughter, Wanda Vetter; and brother and sister-in-law, Floyd (Gay) Smithson.
Ken was a member of Helena Lodge No. 3 where he was a Past Master Mason. Ken was also a member of the Scottish Rite and Algeria Shrine Temple. He was a long-time member of the Beartooth Mountain Men Muzzleloaders Club and Helena Trail Riders. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing and being in the great outdoors of Montana. Ken’s love and enthusiasm for playing and listening to music was his electricity to life. Ken also enjoyed the warm winter months in Quartzsite, Arizona for the past 23 years.
A memorial service for family will be held 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at the Masonic Home Chapel, 2010 Masonic Home Drive. Memorial contributions in Ken’s name are welcomed to be donated to the Helena Masonic home, 2010 Masonic home Road Helena, Mt 59602.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday November 26, 2014
Masonic Home
2010 Masonic Home Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday November 26, 2014
Masonic Home
2010 Masonic Home Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
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Dale and Betty Poelman says
Ken is in our thoughts and prayers, he was a wonderful person and a great friend.
Judy Gardner says
I send my condolences to all of the family. We had a lot of good times in the Trail Riders years ago. My prayers are with you.
David Horner says
Sorry to hear about ken’s passing, he was a big part of teaching me to be a responsible man. God bless you all.
Peggy & Rick Bourne says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Freddi Haab-Fiedler says
Debbie & family – my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jim & Barb Stevens says
Ken was a wonderful man and we will miss him greatly. I will always remember how nice he was to me when I had to call the mill. Jim has never had a better boss than him. All of you are in our prayers and thoughts. Just know that he is still with you in spirit.
Love, Jim & Barb