Larry Robert Smith

Larry Smith of Hamilton, Montana passed away Wednesday February 28, 2018 at his home.  He was 82 years of age.

Larry Robert Smith was born in Carey, Idaho to Raymond Phillip Smith and Arvilla B. Park on August 7 1935.  He started his schooling in Hailey, Idaho and was brought by his parents to the Bitterroot Valley in 1946, where he continued his education in Corvallis.  He left Corvallis High School in his senior year and completed his education in Burlington, Washington and later in the U.S. Air Force.

On October 28, 1956 he was united in marriage with his high School sweetheart, JoMae Stringer and later in life on January 27, 1996 was united for time and eternity in the Dallas LDS Temple in Dallas, Texas.

His work efforts were quite broad being a building contractor in Missoula and the Florence areas where he built homes.  He spent several years driving 18 wheelers accumulating just under 2 million miles.  He said he has crossed the united states from side to side and top to bottom, and never seen anywhere he didn’t find beauty.  But of all the places he found, the Bitterroot Valley was by far the best.  It is here that he chose to retire in 1999.  Even after retirement, he spent several years on a local ranch where he found enjoyment raising hay for the animals which included horses, and of course, some elk.  This local ranch was with the Charles Scripps Ranch on the West Fork on the Bitterroot.  For years Larry put up all the lights at Christmas time making the ranch look like a winter wonderland.

Larry spent many seasons on skis, serving on the National Ski Patrol at Missoula Snow Bowl and Marshal ski area.  He was also active as an amateur radio operator, (Ham) with station WB7SZQ, holding the call since 1976.  He enjoyed talking around the world, making friends.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and often mentioned that he was fifth generation LDS.  His favorite calling was in the Family History Center, both doing his own research and helping others find their roots.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, sons; Larry Robert Jr, and Terry Dee. 

He is survived by his wife JoMae Smith, daughter Debbie Joseph, 4 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and his sister Connie McArthur.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 5, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Hamilton LDS chapel.  Visitation for Larry will be at 10:00 AM at the church before the services begin.  Burial will follow at the Corvallis Cemetery in Corvallis, MT.  

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