William Alfred “Al” Smith, born Oct. 3, 1928, in Aberdeen, Wash to Arthur J. Smith and Margaret “Peterson” Smith, passed away May 5, 2018, at the age of 89 of congestive heart failure at his home in Palm Springs, where he was being cared for by his wife Betty.
After graduating from Weatherwax High School, Al attended Oregon State University where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Administration. He then enlisted in the Army where he was a Lieutenant Corporal and Construction Foreman. After Korea and serving eight years in the U.S. Army that resulted in multiple service awards, Al retired from active duty in 1953. He then went to work for his father at Art Smith and Son Mobile Oil in Hoquiam. When his father sold the business Al went into real estate, receiving Realtor Salesman Of The Year in 1974. Following real estate he purchased the Tokeland Hotel where he and his wife, Betty, were responsible for refurbishing and making the Tokeland Hotel a National Historical Site.
He also was a very talented woodworker, building an enchanting playhouse for his wife that was featured in two national magazines.
He and Betty started a gift shop in Elma, Wash. called “Golden Plum” which they then moved to their home property and changed the name to Blackberry Hollow.
Al was an avid bird hunter for the majority of his life.
In 1954 he was a key person in the development and the construction of Camp Bishop.
Birdhouses were a favorite of his to build. His favorite pastime was tending to his small vineyard of grapes.
Al was a member of the Elks, American Legion, Life Member of North American Hunting Club, United Way, National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, and he was also a founding member of Ocean Shores Chapter of Kiwanis. He was on The Board of Directors for the Ocosta Foundation and in 1981 was elected to the Fire District Commission for Pacific County.
He was a huge fan of the Annual Thanksgiving Bobcat vs. Grizzlies football games, never missing a game and making certain his daughters and wife had the yellow mum corsages to wear with pride.
Al is survived by his wife: Betty “Rossetti” Smith, wife of 54 years; daughters: Anne “Smith” Dillinger (Jim Adams), Patricia “Smith” McCaw and Linda “Moyer” (David) Wentworth; sister: Arlene Fisk (Mel); grandchildren: Christopher Wentworth, Jennifer Montoure, Christina Kost, Davey Wentorth, Angela “McCaw” Evans, Alisa Radonski, Kefron McCaw, Matthew Dillinger and Kristin Wentworth; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law: Bonnie Robel (Jerry) and Karl and JoAnne Wojahn.
All of these he loved and touched deeply. His sense of humor will be greatly missed, as will he.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Ruth O. Smith (Wojahn).
A military service will be held Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 2 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash.
The family asks that a donation be made to American Heart Association, donatenow.heart.org or 1-800-AHA-USA1.
