Ronnie Smith of Kirkland, WA passed away at home on July 1, 2011 at the age of 70. He bravely fought throat cancer for the past 2 years. He was born in Englewood, TN. He graduated from Sugarcreek High School in Bellbrook, Ohio in 1958. He served 4 years in the Navy with an Honorable Discharge in 1962.
He and his wife, Connie, were high school sweethearts before they married in 1959. They had 2 children and remained happily married for 51 years. Ronnie had his own plumbing and fire protection company for 5 years and was able to retire from that when he was 49 years old.
Ronnie loved living in the northwest and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He also loved playing golf in his free time. He coached his boy’s soccer and little league baseball teams where they won the American League Championship.
Ronnie and his wife traveled in their motor home all over the United States after retirement. The favorite times were going south for the winters and attending spring training in Arizona. They loved spending time in Texas too. The highlights of his life were his 4 grandchildren. He was very proud of them. They lovingly called him Papaw. Ronnie was a loving man with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him. His happiest moments were with his family and being home. Many thanks to his wonderful neighbors and friends. He is preceded in death by his Mother and Dad. He is survived by his wife, their 2 children, Mike and Mark (Fiona), his brother, Jim of San Luis Obispo, California, his sister, Brenda Deleon of Sun City, Arizona, and his four cherished grandchildren, Ashley, Alex, Catriona, and Natalie. There will be no service as per Ronnie’s request.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Donations may be made to the City of Kirkland Fire Department.