Obituary for Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith, 77, longtime Charlo resident, passed away Feb. 16 at his home in Charlo. He was born Feb. 14, 1938 in Anaconda to Hank and Lucille Smith. He lived in Silver Bow, Mont., until 1971 when he moved his family to Charlo. He worked his entire life running heavy equipment until he retired in 2000. He was an avid horseman and enjoyed helping friends work cattle. He loved to horseback into the Bob Marshall Wilderness with his pack string. Chuck always said when you get through life you can count your true friends on one hand. We all hope that in the end we have a friend like Kenny Esterby was to him. He is survived by: His wife of 22 years, Judy; his brother Jim Smith of Alaska; also his five children, Martin Smith of Omaha, Cindy Kleest of Tacoma, Terry (Betty) Smith of Omaha, Wanda (Arne) Wilber of St. Ignatius, and Molly Hofmann of Reno; seven grandchildren, Brandon Wilber, Kalem Nefzger, Anne and Phoebe Hofmann and Kristen, Kenny and Kayla Kleest; also three great grandchildren. There will be a Celebration of Life potluck dinner (meat provided) at Leon Hall on March 28 at 2 p.m.