Arthur Francis Smith 1926 ~ 2011 Arthur Francis Smith, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away on January 27, 2011 surrounded by his wife and children. He was 84 years of age. He struggled for over two years with pulmonary fibrosis, finally succumbing to respiratory failure during a short stay at UVRMC in Provo, Utah. He was born October 17, 1926 in Pocatello, Idaho to Francis Edmund and Geraldine Fife Smith but grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Arthur loved to go camping and fishing as a boy, and was active in sports all through high school. During World War II, he served his country by enlisting in the Navy - serving as a Fire Controlman Third Class on the USS Vulcan in the Pacific theater. In 1954, he retired from the Naval Reserves as an Ensign. After the War and with the help of the GI Bill, he attended the University of Montana in Missoula. It was during college that he met Lois Elaine Dye. They were married December 28, 1948 in Kalispell, Montana and were sealed June 23, 1967 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Arthur graduated with degrees in Economics and History/Political Science. Employment with Montgomery Ward as an Industrial Engineer took him and his family to Denver, Colorado, St. Paul, Minnesota, Chicago, Illinois, and Kansas City, Kansas. In 1962, he began working for Red Owl and then National Tea Supermarkets in the Midwest - moving with his family to Minnetonka, Minnesota, Chicago, Illinois, and New Orleans, Louisiana. He retired with his wife to Orem, Utah in 1996 to live near their children and grandchildren. Arthur loved all the places he lived - embracing the culture and heritage of each region of the country. Professionally, he pioneered Cryovac packaging, centralized meat distribution plants, and streamlined warehousing. He was respected by all who worked with him. Active in community, he served for many years in the PTA and as a member of the School Board for the Hopkins Minnesota School District. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, beekeeping, bird watching, being outdoors, cooking and reading. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Arthur found great joy in serving as the Ward Mission Leader and Gospel Essentials teacher wherever he lived. He served in many other capacities and loved being a home teacher. He is survived by his wife and five children: Deborah (Alan) Glenn, Dr. Marshall Smith, Julie (James) Siebach, Therese (Reid) Miller, and Cameron (Stephanie) Smith; his brother Dr. G. Bruce (Traci) Smith; 28 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marilyn, and daughter-in-law, Ann Marie Smith. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 2, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the Orem Heatheridge Stake Center located at 450 East 2000 North in Orem, Utah. Last respects may be given during a viewing at the Walker Sanderson funeral Home, 646 East 800 North in Orem, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2011. Friends may also pay their respects from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral services. Interment will be held at the Orem City Cemetery. The family expresses sincere gratitude to all the care givers at American Fork Hospital, Orem Nursing and Rehab, and UVRMC for their skilled and compassionate care. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.walkerfamilymortuary.com
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