Richard C. Smith

Richard “Dick” Carl Smith was born on July 22, 1934 in Yakima, Washington to Helen and Bill Smith. He spent most of his youth in Ellensburg, graduating from Ellensburg High School in 1953. After graduation he joined the National Guard and worked at a sawmill. In 1954, Dick married Nancy Anne Norling and together they had three daughters - Ramona, Katherine and Linda. In 1965 they moved from Ellensburg to Auburn, Washington where Dick worked as a signal maintainer for the Milwaukee Railroad. He enjoyed playing softball, bowling, camping, fishing, clam digging and was an avid hunter. His hunting trips took him all over the Pacific Northwest and Canada. He bagged many different animals including deer, elk, moose, bear, antelope, wild turkey and mountain goat.

Dick married Sharon West in 1978. Sharon had four children - Angie, Billie, Trask and Heather. He transferred with the railroad to Leavenworth and then to Hyak. Dick worked for the Milwaukee railroad for 21 years and when the Soo Line Railroad purchased the Milwaukee Railroad in 1985, Dick was offered a severance package of $1,000 for every year of service. He used his severance to try his hand at owning a fruit stand. He bought World Famous Fruit in Peshastin but soon realized that owning a fruit stand required you to stay home during the summer, curtailing the camping and fishing trips he loved. After one year, he sold the fruit stand.

Fortunately, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad was hiring for a road crew out of Cashmere, so Dick found himself working back at the railroad. Most of their work was in the King and Pierce County areas, which Dick enjoyed as he was able to attend a lot of Mariner and Sonics ball games.

Dick retired from the railroad in 2008. He moved with Sharon to South Cle Elum and spent his retirement doing what he loved most - hunting, fishing, camping and visiting his kids and grandkids. After Sharon was diagnosed with Parkinsons they moved to Moxee to be closer to medical care and Sharon’s daughters. Eventually they both required 24-hour care and in February 2024 they went to live at Landmark Care Center in Yakima. Sharon passed away in January 2025. Dick remained at Landmark until his passing on December 17, 2025.

Dick was a family man. He held his many families together, always being involved. Being with his family was his joy.

Dick leaves behind his brother Arnold and sister Patricia; his three daughters, Mona (Larry) Fritz, Kathy (Bud) Kastning and Linda (Mike) Maw; his stepchildren Angie Kahn, Billie (Geno) Parke, Trask Eardley and Heather West; as well 15 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Sharon; sisters Delores and Shirley and his brother Johnny.

Viewing for family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg. His funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9 also at the funeral home with burial to follow at High Valley Memorial Park.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com