Darwin D. (Dick) Smith

Darwin D. (Dick) Smith
July 15, 1934 – September 27, 2023

Dick was born in July 15, 1934 in Bloomington, Nebraska to Herman and Hazel (Soderlin) Smith. The family migrated to the
West Coast to Oregon.

Dick grew up in Salem and graduated from North Salem High School in 1952 and was very proud of his school years being Yell King. It was in high school that he met Geraldine Bales, to whom he married. They were married for over 64 wonderful years and had four children.

Dick had a brilliant career in the jewelry industry, beginning at a small shop in Salem and later with a national chain operation,
Zale Corporation. His employment with Zales took him and his family to Spokane, Washington as he opened and managed the
store in Northtown Shopping Center. While managing that store, Dick served as President of the Northtown Merchants Association.

His career success with Zales grew and took him to the greater Seattle area as Vice President of a large region. He thoroughly enjoyed this time in his career.

Eventually, Dick opened his own retail jewelry store, Smith & Sons, again back in his favorite city, Spokane. He along side his wife Geri, enjoyed the shop for many happy years until retirement. The retirement years brought great joy as again, Dick and Geri teamed up as hosts/managers of the BOF Hall in Downtown Spokane, enjoying their love of ballroom dancing.

Dick loved maintaining a beautifully landscaped yard, listening to music, going to a Spokane Indians baseball game, and ballroom dancing.

He was very proud of his family. Some of his fondest memories were of his and Geri’s yearly treks to Maui, Hawaii.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, sister, and wife. He is survived by his sons Nicholas and Kim; daughters Teresa (Martin) and Kristen (Florez); grandchildren Kara, Nikki, Joshua, Kari, Jared, Tyler, Chase, and Anna; and nine great grandchildren.