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Larry Byron Smedley Sr.
1931 - 2021
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LARRY BYRON SMEDLEY SR.
April 16, 1931 ˜ March 18, 2021

Larry was born in Deer Lodge, MT. Larry lived in Vancouver, WA, with his wife Audrey (Cave) Smedley. Larry died peacefully at home early Thursday morning, Larry celebrated 89 years of life, love, faith and family.
Larry has four children, Larry (Nancy), Debbie (Bob), Kathy (Steve) and Linda (DD); nine grandchildren and their spouses, with 15 great grandchildren, however the story doesn’t stop there.
On June 22, 2013, Larry married the second love of his life Audrey Cave adding her five children, 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Larry touched many lives, he was a retired coach, teacher and Administrator for Vancouver School District. He was honorably discharged from the US Navy and The Air Force Reserve.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Adeline Smedley; sisters, Doris Quatier and Johanna Kirkpatrick; and wife, Mary Faye Smedley (57 years).
Larry was a special friend and mentor to many, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
“Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress: my eyes grow weak with sorry, my soul and body
with grief” Psalm 31:9
Celebration of life will be hosted by family this summer.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits


To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in The Columbian on Mar. 24, 2021.
Memories & Condolences

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20 entries
April 4, 2021
I had the privilege of having Mr. Smedley at Shumway while attending junior high. I remember him as a calm and kind man. He did a lot for kids here in Vancouver. My sympathies to your family. He will of course be missed.
Patsy Hansen
Student
April 3, 2021
Many good times in the Smedley pool thanks to Mr. Smedley, always working on the pool while we played and had fun! Such a wonderful and warm person. Always encouraging. You will be missed.
Sally Scrivner
Friend
April 1, 2021
I don't know if I have ever met him but I am proud to say I live in the house that he grew up in His parents were very proud of all of their children I love that in a small way I knew of him and his parents amazing people

terry murray
Acquaintance
March 30, 2021
If you ever had your life intersect with Larry Byron Smedley, Sr., you learned the value and true meaning of hard work, integrity and ethical behavior. These indelible traits, a constant of his character, remain with you for a lifetime. I consider myself blessed to have been coached by Larry, both in sports and in life. The ease of his smile will resonate with us, forever. God's Speed Old Man...we'll see you at the river's bend.

Rich Scrivner
Richard K Scrivner
Friend
March 29, 2021
Kathy and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I was fortunate to be able to work with Larry at the very start of my career, and learned so much from him (and from Kathy). I always enjoyed his sense of humor and empathy towards others, and consider him one of the people I strive to emulate in my career. My thoughts are with your family.
Marji Ruzicka
March 29, 2021
Love of family, respect received and given, loud laughter, spontaneous antics...from youth thru retirement so was Larrys stage by stage of his life shared by forever friend, Hap Hapala
Marlene Hapala
Friend
March 29, 2021
Marlene Hapala
Friend
March 28, 2021
Mr. Smedley- Larry Sr., was a wonderful, caring person. Always had a smile to share and cared deeply for his extended family and multitudes of friends he made along the way. He will always have place in my heart as a second dad. My sincere condolences to the entire family as he will be greatly missed.
Gwen Krebs Palin
Friend
March 28, 2021
Mr Smedley was so active in his son Larry's sports, football, basketball and baseball through high school. He was always in the stands or bleachers offering a visible support
So sorry for your loss
Ed LaLonde
Friend
March 28, 2021
When I made the jump to school nursing in the early 1980’s, Larry was the principal at Shumway Jr. High. He was such a wonderful supporter of school nursing, and we discovered that his first wife Mary grew up with my brothers in Hockinson. Lots to talk about! I worked with his daughter at Jason Lee. Then, Larry married the second love of his life, and I have connections with many of the Cave girls! It was wonderful to see that he had someone to share in his retirement. Larry, you were the best. May the family find comfort in your memories of him.
Julia Weisenborn Scott
Coworker
March 27, 2021
Mr. Smedley was my middle school Principal at Shumway. He always showed a huge interest in the students and made time for them. What a beautiful man. He will be missed.
Danyelle Bales
Student
March 26, 2021
It’s interesting to see how he played an important role in so many lives. That goes for me also and the Smedley family. He was always there for me with wisdom and a great sense of humor. You will be missed but left an important imprint on me and others. Well done Larry and Rest In Peace.
Arlie Beth Mitcham Hodges
Friend
March 25, 2021
Larry was best principal I ever worked for in my 28 years with VSD. We would have many a great conversations in the front yard at Shumway during lunch supervision. The district lost a great administrator when he retired and the world lost a great human being when he died. Rest In Peace my friend.
John Makela
Coworker
March 25, 2021
Kathy and Linda,
Cristi and I send our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and all of your family. Your dad was a wonderful human being, a great administrator and a true colleague and friend. He will be missed by many but his positive/caring mark on our community will be felt for generations to come. He was a building administrator that I learned from and respected. Larry was loved and admired by his staff, students and his community.
May he rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
God Bless,
Ed and Cristi Little
Ed and Cristi Little
Friend
March 25, 2021
Larry was an important person in my life and the lives of our two children Elsa and Jon. He was supportive and compassionate to his students and his staff. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Gerry Stavney
Friend
March 25, 2021
Larry was an important person in my life and the lives of our two children Elsa and Jon. He was supportive and compassionate to his students and his staff. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Gerry Stavney
Friend
March 24, 2021
I remember Larry well during our years together at Battle Ground High School. We graduated in 1950 and I moved away being here in North Carolina since 1954. I did go back for the 30th and 50th reunions and it was so good to see many of our classmates. So many have passed on, but I cherish the days of our childhood. Hazel Mitchell Erwin
Hazel Erwin
Classmate
March 24, 2021
Larry and I coached football and taught together at Gaiser Jr. High in the 1970's. I have fond memories of his laugh, his humor, and his dedication to our kids in school. I'll always remember the times we spent with each other and the influence of his positive attitude he had on me as a young beginning teacher.
Dave Paola
Coworker
March 24, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Larry. I had the privilege of working with Larry for several years in the Vancouver School District. He was a wonderful administrator with a big personality copied with a compassionate heart. Everyone including students, teachers, and parents had great respect for Larry. He always treated everyone with dignity and made them feel valuable. He brought out the best in every life that he touched. I will always keep the memories of Larry tucked deeply in a special place in my heart. May he rest peacefully in the memory of our Heavenly Father.
Betty Roberts
Coworker
March 24, 2021
My dad was my rock. I will carry him in my heart forever. I miss him terribly.
Linda Smedley
Daughter
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