Van Thomas Smith

On June 27, 2016, Van Thomas Smith passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with his loving wife Mary, of 55 years, by his side. Van was born on October 24, 1937 to Margaret Smith Cummings and Jack Smith in Columbus, MT. His childhood years were spent in the Stillwater area of MT. After the loss of his father Jack, his mother moved the family to Argenta-Dillon, MT. Much of Van's growing up years were spent roaming, hunting, fishing and trapping in the Pioneer Mountains near Argenta. He would often be gone days and weeks at a time by himself, which would often cause his mother much concern. His love of hunting and fishing gave him the experience and basis for his avid story telling. He was at his best when reliving those glorious days. Anyone who knew Van found that he would share his passion and knowledge of hunting, fishing and plant life with them. He derived great pleasure when he could pass his love of the outdoors not only to his children and grandchildren, but also to many other young people as he touched their lives. Van was a hard worker who instilled these values in his children. He spent many of his years working as a hard rock miner in the local mines around Argenta and later in Butte, MT. Ending his career at the smelter in Anaconda as track Foreman. His last job was being a house husband for his wife. He learned how to cook, pack a lunch, vacuum and shop store ads using coupons. Other retirement pursuits were his yard and flower beds, loving to have flowers that offered a wonderful array of colors. He also liked to tie flies and fix riggings for his steelhead/salmon fishing adventures. When sitting at the kitchen table, he would enjoy the view out the window as he observed birds, and with his keen eye he would spot the wildlife walking across the meadow at the top of the hill. After several attempts, he would manage to get his wife Mary to see them. In his later years, he would like to sit in his recliner and listen to Bluegrass and Country music. Van is survived by his wife Mary. Children Glen (Lisa) Smith of Deer Lodge, Sheri Nygren of Argenta, Mark (Sarah) Smith of Calhoun, MO, Shelly Coward of Anaconda, and Cliff (Stacey) Smith of Helena. Sisters Vi Junkert, Hazel Junkert, Regenia Stewart, all of Billings, and Winnie Dickey of butte, brothers Harley (Helen) Smith of Dillon, Dale Smith of Whitehall, and Robert (Judy) Smith of Butte, and nieces and nephews too many to name. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren. Gyle Nygren of Dillon, Gary Nygren of Dillon, Jeremiah (Nicole) Nygren also of Dillon, Rachel (Jason) Finch of Georgia, Rachel Marino of Colorado, Ryan (Krystal) Marino of Austin, TX, Madison Detonancour of Dillon, Meridith Detonancour of Helena, Rylee Smith of Helena and several great grandchildren. Van was preceded in death by his daughter Deborah Marino, parents Jack and Margaret, infant sisters Vesta and Edith, brothers Lee, Alfred, Dee and ex-wife Lois Smith. Services will be held at the Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with one hour of visitation prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Anaconda Pintler Hospice, 118 E. 7th St., Ste. 1A, Anaconda, MT 59711 or a charity of the donor's choice.

Visitation

JUL 2. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (MDT)

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home 107 Oak St. Anaconda, MT 59711

Celebration of Life

JUL 2. 11:00 AM (MDT)

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home 107 Oak St. Anaconda, MT 59711