Obituary of Thomas Smith

1934-2014What matters most is what happened during the “dash.” Tom’s dash was filled with love, laughter, family and the best hugs. He was born to Barnett Franklin Smith and Rose Bernice Curtis in Los Angeles, CA. After graduating from the Coachella Valley Union High, Tom proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956 as a rifle instructor and in the Criminal Investigation Department. Over the course of his life, Tom had many occupations and he enjoyed them all. He fell in love with Eugene, Oregon on his first visit and called it home since 1974. He was an avid Oregon Duck fan and dressed the part on game days, cheering either from the stands or from his recliner. He loved the Oregon coast and made sure his kids and grandkids got to experience crabbing and beachcombing for agates. Tom loved gadgets, keeping up with the latest technologies and prided himself on staying computer literate ahead of his years. He had a passion for listening to all genres of music, it was simply a part of daily life. Tom was famous in the family for his crazy late night snacks. And a self-proclaimed foodie, his motto was “I can’t help it, ice cream loves me!” Tom is survived by the love of his life, Sarah Kathleen (Kathy) Smith, children; Jerry Smith, Orange CA, Melanie (Greg) McFarland, Tacoma WA, Shelly (Skip) Hubbard, Creswell OR, grandchildren; Jamie (Rylan) East, Tucson AZ, Max Smith, Garden Grove CA, Josie Hubbard, Portland OR, great-grandchildren; Jaylee, Lucas, Harper & Quinn East. Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Tom always made those around him feel loved! A gathering of family and friends will take place at 11:00AM, July 12th, at the Wildish Theater, 630 Main St., Springfield, Oregon. Memorial donations can be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Lane Memorial Funeral Home. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com