Frank "Gene"

SMITH, Frank Eugene

"Gene"

Frank Eugene Smith was born on July 25, 1939 to Frank Eastman Smith & Edna A. Dyer Smith in Spokane, WA. Gene passed away unexpectedly at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on December 26, 2017 at the age of 78.

Gene grew up in Worley, Idaho with his brother Terry by his side. From working on the family farm, growing crops, riding horse to school, taking care of animals, spending time with their cousin Sally in town and getting a great start in 4-H. He began 4-H early as a member in 1948 with the influence of his parents involvement as members and then leaders themselves. This led to the countless awards, trips and acknowledgments throughout his member & leader service of over 50 years. He was currently the Organizational Leader of Pine Tree 4-H Club in Post Falls.

He graduated with honors as Salutatorian, in 1958 from Worley High School. He also attended The University of Idaho before starting his military career. In 1961, he enlisted in the Washington State Air National Guard, was a Nuclear Weapons Specialist and a Hydraulic Aircraft Mechanic. Gene retired as Master Sergeant in December of 1989.

In 1963, he married Marilyn Deon Carman and started a family in Spokane, WA. They moved to Coeur d’Alene, then to Post Falls and had three children. At that time, he became the first snowmobile dealer in the Inland Empire, was the Snowmobile Club President, and eventually a Kootenai County groomer operator for local riding trails. His snowmobile dealership slowly turned into small engine repair, boat motor service and an AMSOIL dealership which is still in operation today.

Being an avid hunter and outdoorsman, led him to teaching the Hunters Education Program for the Idaho State Fish & Game, for over forty years. He was a 50 year member of the Coeur d'Alene Elk's Lodge #1254, initiated as an Elk in 1969. In 1976-1977, he was appointed Exalted Ruler and was currently the Lodge Trustee, Safety Officer and Kamper Klub President.

Gene married Roberta "Bertie" in 1995. They enjoyed dancing, involvement in 4-H and traveling with the Elk’s Kamper Klub throughout the northwest region.

We were surprised to find “The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award” for community and volunteer service, in his office papers. He was never one to boast of his numerous achievements. Gene was a humble man who preferred to mentor, act in service or help with any needed project. He is survived by his wife Bertie, his brother Terry Smith & wife Jaye of Coeur d'Alene, Marilyn Carman Smith, the mother of his children; Debbie Smith & partner Mike of Post Falls, Brian Smith & partner Patrick of Portland, OR and Cynthia Early & husband Ken of Coeur d’Alene; and grandchildren Alexandra & Kalvin. Gene is also survived by Bertie's son Steven, his wife Delinda and their sons Spencer and Matthew.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d'Alene, ID.

Reception to follow after service at 3:00 p.m. at Lake City Center, 1916 N Lakewood Drive in Coeur d’Alene, ID.

Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene on Monday, January 8, 2018 at 10:00am

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the 4-H Endowment Fund in Gene’s name:

Kootenai Extension Office

c/o Sharla Wilson

1808 N 3rd Street

Coeur d’Alene, ID

(208)446-1680

Or email [email protected]