Dear Family and Friends;
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of another member of the Smith clan. Our memories of Stephen’s life and the time we spent with him will forever be in our hearts.
Stephen Smith, born in Forest City Iowa on March 30, 1946, passed away on October 2, 2021 in Oregon. He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Tiffany, and son Morgan. He is also survived by three siblings and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and 3rd and 4th generation relatives whom he thought the world of and loved keeping in contact through calls, texts and emails.
An avid car enthusiast, Stephen spent most of his life in the pursuit of acquiring a variety of autos that caught his attention and approval. The models, years, and types ranged from old to new, slow to fast, rusty to shiny, and personal to collectible. A four-page, handwritten, record of cars he owned listed over 40+ automobiles — from his first 1955 Chevy Truck to his latest 1937 Chevy Coupe purchased earlier this year.
As part of his auto appreciation, Stephen was a member of many local auto clubs over the years and enjoyed the company of like-minded auto buffs. He especially leaned toward the older models, such as his 1925 Franklin, 1923 and 1930 Dodges, ’37 Chevy and the classic 356 “bathtub” Porsche models of the 1950-60’s. He enjoyed time as the President of one auto club, and created club touring activities for the members in other clubs.
His club memberships included, but not limited to:
- Porsche Club of America
- Porsche 356 Registry
- Rocky Mountain 356 Porsche Club – Loveland & Fort Collins, CO (Founded by Dave Scott, John Hawkins, and Steve Smith)
- The H. H. Franklin Club
- Dodge Brothers Club
- Horseless Carriage Club of America – Portland & Salem, OR
Stephen prided himself on his skill as a contractor and builder and enjoyed a successful career built on his own time and terms. After retiring 10+ years ago, he enjoyed and spent time focusing on family (including keeping in touch with the large extended family) and attending auto club events and activities. He also spent considerable time working on the Smith family geneology timeline and organizing family photos and memoriablia.
While gone from sight, his presence will be missed but his memories will remain forever and be treasured by all.
In lieu of a service, next year the family will be hosting a Celebration of Stephen in March or April 2022, around the time of his birthday. We will celebrate Stephen’s life as a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, friend and a man of good sense and humor (and his love of Sudoku and puns (**see below). We welcome any and all stories, thoughts and photos of Stephen you would like to share.
Instead of memorials in honor of Stephen Smith, he would prefer we all invest in silver or gold… as he often talked about the value of precious metals.
Although he is no longer among us on this earthly plane, he will forever be with us in mind and spirit.
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.” – Unknown
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Getting to see the other side takes spirit.
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Improve your memory by doing unforgettable things.
**
More puns… (Often funnier when said, instead of read.)
What do you call a bee that can’t make up its mind? A maybe.
When everything is coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.
What are the strongest days of the week? Saturday and Sunday, the rest are weekdays.
Need an ark? I Noah guy.
I used to be indecisive; now I’m not so sure.
The machine at the coin factory just suddenly stopped working, with no explanation. It doesn’t make any cents.
He bought a boat because it was for sail.
Being vegetarian was a huge missed-steak.
He who laughs last thinks slowest.