EUGENE "GENE" L. SMITH
October 5, 1944 ~ January 2, 2017
Gene's favorite quote was,
"We do not stop playing because we grow old....
we grow old because we stop playing".
And that was Gene!
After retirement from Columbia Steel Castings, we began our travels. Taking our little plane across the U.S. we came home and bought a motor home and traveled two months across the states. We cruised Europe twice, had our own boat for years, then on to classic cars. Life was an adventure, to say the least! And now he will rest.
Gene was a member of the VIP Car Club, a volunteer for The Now Program, and VP of the North-South Airpark Association.
He is survived by his wife, Patty; sister, Kay (Al) Bierling of Denver, CO; step-sons, Mike (Karin) and Pat (Eydie) Farrell, four grandchildren and one great-grandson, Artie, all of Vancouver, WA; and numerous nieces and cousins. Gene will be greatly missed!
Services will be held in Camas, WA on Jan. 28th at Grace Four Square Church at noon with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, 2675 S. Index St., Washougal, WA 98671.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gene, A month ago yesturday many hearts were torn or broken due to you joining our Heavenly Father up above. You are missed by so many people who cared and loved you (& they always will} but you left everyone with many wonderful memories and thru those memories you will live on. There is no doubt that you were such a good,caring & very generous man. I want to thank you very much for all the good memories you left with my dear son-in-law Pat, daughter Eydie & our grandchildren. Be it the 100 mph rides in the boat,the camping trips, the car shows,the rides in the plane, the great vacation on the houseboat & all the get togethers at your house plus many more good times they had with you & Patty. Speaking of Patty, you would be so proud of your beautiful wife. This last month has been so hard for her but she has shown such strength in getting thru this difficult time. Your memorial service was beautiful,she could not have done anything to make it more special. She is truly an amazing lady & together you were an amazing couple. Gene R.I.P. our friend. And Patty our thoughts,love & prayers are with you.
Brenda & Butch
February 3, 2017
From previous messages, sounds like Gene was a true "Smith" with his love for cars and tinkering and the like.
I am Gene's cousin, Muriel (Smith) Pater and daughter of Jake Smith and I don't remember if I ever met Gene, and if I did, I would have been too young to remember. Wishing you our sincere condolences and sympathy on behalf of our family.
us informed
Muriel (Smith) Pater
January 29, 2017
Patty, may you remember all the good times you and Gene had together.
Sharon Fjermestad Kay
January 28, 2017
Even though we just got to know Gene, we will miss him. Few people I meet I instantly feel connected too and Gene was one of them , Chuck
Chuck & Jackie Price
January 28, 2017
Somewhere beyond the sky a V-8 is being tinkered with. Might even be drowning out a choir or two. Floor it Gene.
Jeff Smith
January 24, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. Somehow we never got together although we are both Westcoasters. My son is a fish buyer up in Bellingham and I guess we have folks up there as well. I am fortunate that my brother Jeff keeps in touch with family.
Funny about our shared genes: airplanes, cool cars and motorcycles. I flew my Cessna 150 from Ashland to Milaca MN many years ago. I am in the planning for my 4th cross country motorcycle trip.
Anyhow, enough about me. Our thoughts are with you.
Dale Smith
January 24, 2017
So many great memories running our boats....so sorry. Rest now Gene
Larry Melo
January 20, 2017
Gene was a very kind man in our NOW program and he always brought Patty's treats. He and Bill had an awfully good time together at our meetings. We will all miss him.
Jan Verrinder
January 18, 2017
Patty - we are so very sorry for your loss. Sounds like you and Gene had some great experiences together. He will be missed. Love, Gregg and Judi
January 17, 2017
So sorry to hear this. Makes me remember the good times we had with the corvette club. Seems like yesterday. Our prayers are with you, CLIFF and Gail Larson
Cliff Larson
January 17, 2017
Way too soon - condolences to all.
Sincerely, Jan Whitehead
January 17, 2017
So sorry to hear about your loss.
John & Anita Fallon
January 15, 2017
Warm thoughts & prayers for you Patty & family. We enjoyed meeting Gene a year or so ago . He seemed like such a warm, gentle, fun man. It was obvious he loved you very much Patty. We will be thinking of you on Jan 28th.,
Candy & Jeff Crimin
January 15, 2017
Dearest Patty, love, hugs and prayers. Gene was so very special. Together you made it all work!
Rocki and Tom
January 15, 2017
Your love for life was so contagious and you Gave us so many great memories!! We will never forget going 100+ mph in the boat, boat races, car shows, house boat trips , camping trips, ice cream and all of the laughter. We lost you too soon and the hole in our heart is huge. Every time we see a small plane in the sky we will think of you . Mike & Karin
Mike & Karin Farrell
January 15, 2017
A light in Patty's life. May God bless and keep you.
Cheryl Kiely
January 15, 2017
We shared many good times with you Gene, and we are grateful for the memories we now have. You will be missed greatly. May you RIP. Love, Eydie and Pat
January 15, 2017
You took us places we would of never been and opened a whole new world for us. We all have wonderful memories of doing 100+ mph on the water, Houseboat trips, car shows, boat racing, enjoying ice cream and always laughing !!! Your leaving us was quite a shock and has left a huge hole in our hearts . Thank you for your unlimited generosity, your zest for life and the unforgettable memories . RIP Gene may you fly with the Angels.
Mike & Karin Farrell
January 15, 2017
The memories we made boating and having fun I owe to you. Thanks for those times that will be part of me for a lifetime.
Jim Lampman
January 15, 2017
RIP my friend. I'm here for you Patty❤
Judy McIntyre
January 15, 2017
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