Russ Carlyle Smith

RUSS C. SMITH October 27, 1940 ~ May 7, 2017 Russ C. Smith, age 76, passed away Sunday, May 7th, 2017 in Vancouver, Washington. He was born October 27th, 1940 in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Raymond and Vivian Smith and was the eldest of six children. Russ lived in Lincoln, Nebraska until 1953 when his family moved to Washington. He attended Evergreen High School and graduated in 1959. While attending Evergreen High School, Russ met his high school sweetheart, Karen Bowen. They were married in 1961. He retired as a Journeyman Machinist from Boise Cascade Paper. ~ Russ was very much a family man. ~ His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his whole life and he always looked forward to spending time with each one of them. Russ was a member of "World Famous" Slo Pok Car Club where, to his club brothers, he was known as "Uncle Russ". He loved his Inline 6 Cylinders and Buick Nailheads, if there was a question to be asked, then "Uncle Russ" was the guy. Russ had many talents, but what stood out the most was his expertise in custom hot rod fabrication which earned him many awards. He also had several of his cars featured in National Hot Rod magazines. Russ loved his music and had a large collection of 45's that he acquired over the years for his Jukebox and probably had every single that was made from the 50's. Russ is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Karen; 2 sons, Scott (Natalie) and Steve (Eve); his mother, Vivian Smith; and 5 siblings, Linda, Cheri (Chuck), Craig (Sandi), Kelly (Mark), Shannon (Monty); 3 grandchildren, Michael, Cassie and Chad (Heather); 3 great-grandchildren, Julian, Axel and Nash; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond; and mother-in-law, Anna Belle Bowen. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 3rd, at 2p.m. at Russ and Karen's house. Please drive your hot rods in memory of Russ. We will have a poster board available for those who wish to write down a memory or comment about Russ for others to enjoy. Please feel free to jot something down on a piece of paper to post to the board, we will also have items available for use. This will be a wonderful memento for Karen and the family to reflect upon later. In lieu of flowers, we are asking for those who wish, to please donate to "HOPE" a Dementia support group at www.hopesupportdenemtia.org. Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Russ Carlyle Smith

October 27, 1940 - May 7, 2017