Patrick Donald Smith

Don was born March 17, 1936, at Helmer, Idaho, to Ben and Eva Smith. He attended a one-room grade school in Park, Idaho, and later attended both Kendrick and Deary high schools. While growing up, he helped his family with the farm at Park. After graduating Deary High School in 1954, Don continued working on the family farm and at B and K Logging in Deary. In 1957, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he was in the 336th Engineers, stationed at Fort Ord, Calif., and Fort Campbell, Ky. For fun on the weekends, he and his friends attended rodeos, where he rode bulls and saddle broncs.

Don was discharged from the Army in 1959 and went to work for Poe Asphalt in Pullman. He worked on the rock crusher and drove a "Dumpster" in the gravel pit. He also drove a dump truck, and later helped build the Lolo Highway.

Don married Eniss Chatterton on Aug. 18, 1962, in Deary. They made their home in Moscow, and had one daughter named Heather.

In 1967, Don went to work for Idaho Cedar Sales in Troy, driving a truck and trailer hauling cedar pickets, usually to Phoenix. To get back a haul, he would go to cities like Los Angeles, Denver or Salt Lake City, and deliver it to places closer to home, mainly Seattle. He made these trips as far east as Pennsylvania.

Don then went to work for the Idaho Transportation Department in Moscow for several years, driving a dump truck, plowing, hauling gravel and seal-coating the highways. In the summer, he worked on the special road crew traveling throughout the state, working on roads. Don then went to work again for B and K Logging and drove a truck. When the owners retired in 1981, Don bought one of the trucks, starting his own business, Patrick D. Smith Logging. Don hauled logs for various companies until he retired in 1997.

Don is survived by his wife, Eniss; daughter Heather and Tom Browning of Lewiston; and grandson Andrew; siblings Anna Hunter of Lenore, Jerry Smith of Deary, Ethel Smith of Deary and Clem Smith of Lewiston; and many nieces and nephews.

After retirement, Don and Eniss joined the Idaho Roadrunners, later becoming tour directors. Don enjoyed driving the bus and traveling to different locations across the United States and Canada.

Don enjoyed spending time with his family at annual picnics, card parties and other get-togethers, but he most enjoyed spending time at his property at Park, logging, haying and hunting. Don was a longtime member of the Troy-Deary Gun Club and enjoyed shooting trap and target rifle, winning several trophies. Don also liked working with his horses and playing sports. He played softball for many years on co-ed teams in Pullman with his wife, daughter and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday for family and close friends at the Park Cemetery, south of Helmer. A memorial service will then be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Deary Community Bible Church, with a dinner following at the Troy-Deary Gun Club. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Troy-Deary Gun Club; or Shriner's Children's Hospital.