Darrel Smith Memorial Today, Pacific City Hall Flags to Fly at Half-mast in His Honor.
Pacific WA, Wed. May 30, 2012
Darrel Smith, a dedicated Pacific community volunteer, passed-away Monday morning, May 28th, 2012, at home with his wife Kathy and his loving family at his bedside. Mr. Smith had Parkinson's, and had suffered a stroke several years ago. After a brief stay in the hospital, his family combined their skills with Hospice to enable Mr. Smith to have palliative care at home.
Darrel and Kathy Smith "toughed it out" through the Pacific Flood of 2009. In the Autumn of 2009, volunteers placed a low wall of "decorative" sand bags to seperate their home from the adjacent wetlands (and from any potential floods) for a few years. Home is where Mr.Smith wanted to be, come hell or high water (Darrel did have a keen sense of humor), and it looks like only heaven-calling could move Mr Smith from the home he loved.
Mr. Smith's Memorial Service is planned for today at 3 P.M., at the Smith Residence, in White River Estates, in Pacific, Washington.
Photo: Smith residence's and easterly neighbor's backyards in January, 2009.
City of Pacific flags are also being flown at half-mast in his honor.
Last night at the Pacific Council meeting, Mr. Smith's friend, Carol Aguilar, asked the Council for a moment of silence to honor Mr. Smith,
Her tribute to "Darrel" was very moving. We heard how he continued to attend Pacific Partnerships meetings until just recently----in his wheelchair--- as his mobility was limited by Parkinson's and an earlier stroke. Even as his memory and health declined, he always had a big smile for everyone, and was pleased to be with friends, in the community he so long served (Pacific Days, Holiday Tree Lighting, First-responders Recognition, and more) and loved..
After the Council and audience observed a Moment of Silence, Mr. Steiger requested the City's American Flags be flown at half-mast today in his honor.
Pastor Jim Brass emails that a Memorial Service will be held today at 3PM, at the Smith family home, 369 White River Drive (off Butte SE) Pacific WA 98047. (please see Pastor Brass’s note below)
Darrel's wife Kathy has requested that donations be made in lieu of flowers to "Pacific Partnerships", the community organization which Darrel helped found, and to which he donated so much of his time and his photography talents.
(PS- Remembrances may be dropped-off with PP treasurer Glenda White at the Pacific Post Office)
Submitted 5-30-2012 by J. Fancher.
From Pastor Jim Brass, 5-29-2012
Dear Friends of Kathy and Darrel Smith.
Darrel's Memorial service will be at 3:00 tomorrow Wednesday May 30th at their home on White River Drive.
Please come in casual, comfortable clothes as we will be having the service in the back yard.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Pacific Partnerships, a non-profit org that Darrel and Kathy helped found to help the community.
