January 31, 1947 – June 2, 2021
John T. Smith
“It’s been a great ride,” were the words spoken a month before John’s passing. He enjoyed raising a family, tinkering with technology, travelling and playing golf. John died on June 2 with complications from cancer.
He was born on January 31, 1947 in Hialeah, Fl to Francis and Gladys Smith. Having a Navy father, the family moved all over the United States. John graduated from Kearny High School in San Diego. After graduation, he moved up to join the rest of the family in Bellevue, WA. He enlisted in the Air Force and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant (E-5) while in Great Falls, Montana.
John entered Western Washington State College and graduated with Math and Computer Science. He went to work at System Services of Snohomish County for three years. The midwest appeal drew him to Cutler Williams, Rockwell International and American Motors where his new friends introduced him to brats and regional cooking.
When John returned to Bellevue, he went to work at the Bon Marche, and subsequently at Pacific Northwest Bell (PNB). He continued to work at PNB/US West/Qwest for another 24 years, and then a few more years for IBM. Technology and education were important to him; he received his MBA from City University in 1989 and a certificate in data communications from the University of Washington extension in 1995.
John met his wife, Kathryn, while at PNB. They married in 1981. Travel was an integral part of their marriage. John introduced Kathryn to ski trips; they enjoyed trips to Whistler and Utah. Kathryn took John to Japan to visit relatives and see the sights. He wasn’t too sure of sushi nor the fast pace of driving in the narrow streets of Tokyo. As long as Kathryn could read the menu and the food was hot and cooked, John enjoyed the variety of ramen, katsu and donburi entrees. After hearing how friends toured through Europe economically, John and Kathryn planned their 2 week vacation in Europe. From seeing the magnificent Neuschwanstein castle to attending Oktoberfest in Munich, the backpackers hauled fifteen to twenty pounds on their backs and loved every minute of it.
Fatherhood came naturally to John. John was a fun dad – playing hide and seek in clothing racks at the stores, or playing tag through the kitchen, where John would surprise Brian by hiding under the kitchen table. They enrolled in baby swim lessons – John’s desire was to have his son enjoy water while Brian’s was to gnaw on the plastic whale and keep away from the instructor. John took his son on a few cub scout trips to Camp Brinkley. Brian took full advantage of his dad passing the swim test in glacially cold waters. They would go on canoe rides in the lake.
When John retired in 2005, it gave him time to pursue golf. He was synonymous with senior discount tee times at Maplewood and Jefferson Golf Courses. With the Ducks League, John had the opportunity to play at various golf courses around Puget Sound. During the annual migratory, he enjoyed traveling to Whistler and Kelowna, BC, Bend, OR, Walla Walla and Spokane, WA.
Another of John’s passions was travel. A couple of his favorite places were Arizona and Hawaii. Going to Arizona provided two opportunities – watching spring training and playing golf. In Hawaii, John would take every chance to catch sunset photos. After hearing about the beautiful night sky above Maui, we drove up to Haleakala National Park. Genealogy would take him to Australia, where his mother was born. Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, kangaroos, koalas, and “no worries.” But, his ultimate trip was being at the Masters in Augusta. Amen corner, azaleas, and treasures – the spectator’s guide to Augusta and the prized beer cups!
His goal in his latter years was to keep cancer at bay so he could watch his granddaughter grow up.
John is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathryn, son Brian (Megan), and granddaughter, Naomi. He is also survived by brothers, Bob (Jennifer) and Dave, and sister JoAnn (Mike) Ray. His nephews and nieces: Jeff, Karrie, Ashley, Katie and Nick (Aimee) as well as 3 grandnieces and 1 grandnephew.
A private celebration of life was held at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in June. Those wishing to honor his memory may donate on his behalf to Northwest Harvest, P.O. Box 12272, Seattle, WA 98102 or First Tee of Greater Seattle, P.O. Box 31020, Seattle, WA 98103.
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