Robert E. Smith

Robert E. Smith passed away in Bouse, Ariz. on March 16 with his wife Janet at his side.

He was born in Belding, Mich. on Aug. 12, 1935 to Marvin and Hazel Smith. After completing high school, he entered the USAF and was stationed in Spokane, Wash. as a machinist. He met his wife Janet while in Spokane and they married April 23, 1960.

After serving four years in the Air Force they moved to Aberdeen, Wash. where he was employed as a machinist at Lamb Grays Harbor. They moved to Polson, Mont. in 1971 where he owned and operated the Polson Machine Shop until his retirement in 1999.

They enjoyed spending their winter months in Bouse, Ariz. where Bob could be seen riding his ATV every day, even after the stroke he had in 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; their daughter, Sandra of Hot Springs, Mont.; grandchildren, Alex of Polson, Jacob of Grand Forks, N.D. and Roxanne of Brainerd, Minn; sister Darla of Orleans, Mich., and Thomas of Belding. Also surviving him are niece Brenda of Kila, Mont., and nephew Paul of Vancouver, Wash.

Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered in Bouse and in Polson. A memorial service in Polson will be announced later.