Robert Smart Obituary

June 8, 1937 ~ June 6, 2008- Robert L. Smart, Sr. left our world all too early June 6, 2008. Comforting him in his last hours was his family. Bob was born on June 8, 1937 to Louis and Eleanor Smart in Syracuse, NY. He proudly joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 to serve his country, and in 1957 he married Mary Ann Miller, daughter of Charles and Effie Miller, at Saint Mary's of the Lake Church in Skaneateles, NY. Bob and Mary Ann would celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary this month, and in their "semi-retirement" had the opportunity to travel together enjoying learning about different cultures and cities. In the last 24 years Bob enjoyed working as a part owner and Executive Vice President of GDI Distributing in Portland, OR. Prior to GDI Distributing, Bob developed and operated R.L. Smart, Inc., Realtors in the Tri-Cities, WA. It was in this business that Bob made many long and enduring friendships. Bob was a member of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church of Vancouver, WA and a former member of Parish of the Holy Spirit in Kennewick, Washington. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks. His family was his greatest source of pride. Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; and his four children, Robert and Sharon Smart Jr. of Boise, ID, Christopher Smart of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Jennifer and Ken Altena of Seattle, WA, and Jeff and Dani Smart of Richland, WA. He was so pleased to see his grandchildren and great-children before his passing. Grandchildren include, from Bob Jr's family, James, Melissa and great-grandson Alexander, and Kaitlynn and great-grandson Mason; from Jennifer's family, David and Kathryn; and from Jeff's family, Rebecca, and Jeffrey Jr., Zach, Mary, and Shea; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews across the country. Bob is survived by several bothers and sisters; and he was pleased that two of his sisters, Nancy and her husband, Chuck, and Elizabeth, were able to travel to see him in the last week. He is survived by his sister, Nancy McMillan of Tampa, FL; his brother, Richard Smart Sr. of Memphis, NY; his sister, Elizabeth Field of Memphis, NY; his sister, Judy Maynard of San Diego, CA; his brother, John Smart of El Cajon, CA; and his sister, Laurie Deering of San Diego, CA. Rosary service at Einan's Funeral Home, Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Holy Mass will be said at Parish of the Holy Spirit in Kennewick on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests that donations to the American Cancer Center be considered.

Published by The Columbian on Jun. 11, 2008.
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