Robert Leonard Smith, 84, passed away Feb. 5, 2021, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia following a long-fought battle with crippling arthritis and heart disease.

He was born April 21, 1936, at his home in Sheridan, Oregon, the youngest and tenth child of Friel and Ethyl Smith.

He grew up there and worked on ranches and at logging jobs in various parts of Oregon, Idaho, California and Alaska.

In 1969, he moved his family to Raymond, Washington, and began working in his main love of work — the timber industry, mostly as a timber faller.

He moved to Aberdeen in 1973 and worked for various logging operations until he retired at the age of 62.

For a few years, he owned his own logging outfit, The Robert L. Smith Logging Co.

He was a true outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He was always on some river or creek, fishing usually with one of his sons with him. He also was fond of fishing the jetty at Westport.

His other love was riding and taking care of horses. He helped his daughter take care of her horses for quite a few years, and for the last 25 years he took daily care of his own miniature horse, Pride.

He also enjoyed watching TV Westerns and war movies, especially John Wayne.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Carol; two sons: Billy Smith of Hoquiam and David Smith of Aberdeen; one daughter Velda Schrotberger of Aberdeen; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother and all nine of his brothers and sisters.

Our love goes out to you now and forever. We will never be the same without you here with us. May you rest in peace.

Arrangements are by Harrision Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.