Paul Rey Smurthwaite, 72, a former Baker City resident, died peacefully at his home on April 5, 2006 after a battle with cancer.
There will be a service celebrating his life at 11 a.m. Monday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15555 S.W. 98th St., in Tigard.
Paul was born on Feb. 24, 1934, at Baker City to Jesse Abraham and Zina Smurthwaite. He was the youngest of eight children. He grew up in Baker City where he enjoyed gymnastics, bowling, camping, fishing and hunting. He served his country as a U.S. Marine in the Korean conflict.
He met his wife-to-be, Norma Dickson, in 1951 at a dance at Ontario at the “Sage & Saddle.” Paul and Norma were married on July 19, 1953 at Vale.
They moved to the Tigard area in 1962 where they raised their children. After retiring, they moved to King City in 2004.
Paul retired in 1996 from ITT Grinnell at Portland where he was a machine operator. He had a passion for building and fixing things. His rule was “by guess and by golly.”
Many of his family members have become proud owners of his fine craftsmanship from his woodshop designed and built by him. He enjoyed making wooden furniture: dressers, chairs, cabinets, tables, shelves, entertainment centers and such. He was known for being able to fix just about anything.
He always had a wave and a smile, a great sense of humor and he was a great listener.
“You will be missed, until we are together again,” his family said.
Survivors include his wife, Norma; one brother, Doug Smurthwaite; four children, Debbie Loveland, Tony Smurthwaite, Larry Smurthwaite and Garry Smurthwaite; 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two sisters, two children and two grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to cancer research in his name.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, April 14, 2006
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
