DELWYN JOHN SMITH

POCATELLO – Delwyn John Smith left this mortal existence on August 27, 2012. He was born February 1, 1933 in Malad, ID. He was the second child of Rosella John and Lavern Smith. He had two brothers, Jack and Sheldon and a sister, Donna. Del grew up on the family dairy farm in Pleasantview. He learned at a very young age the value of hard work and instilled in each of his children this same work ethic.

Del attended Pleasantview Grade School from first to eighth grade. He graduated from Malad High School, where he participated in baseball, basketball and football. After high school he received a football scholarship and attended Snow College in Ephraim, UT and also played football at Utah State in Logan.

After his college days were over, Del returned to Malad where he met the love of his life, Marylyn Monson. They were married June 18, 1954 in St. John. They lived in St. John until 1959 when they made Pocatello their home.

Del was employed by the State of Idaho transportation department as an engineering technician. He retired after working nearly 30 years, in 1995.

Delwyn’s love of sports continued throughout his life and he excelled at every sport he tried. Besides baseball, basketball and football, he was on bowling and pool leagues. He also loved to throw darts. He coached his sons’ little league teams producing winning teams with star quality players. He taught each of his players sportsmanship and love for the game. All of his players respected his talent and abilities.

In 1993, Marylyn and Delwyn moved to their present home, which has a great view of Riverside Golf Course. He loved golfing anytime he could with his “nooner” buddies. In 2008, he got his first hole in one. We were so proud and happy for him. In the past five years, despite failing health, he was still able to play golf and on several occasions was able to shoot his age. It was with great sadness these past few months that he had to give the game up. Many times you would see him looking at the course and you knew he was wishing for just one more round. He left this life watching the Golf Channel.

He loved old-time country music and bluegrass. Del knew every song Hank Williams ever recorded. He sang them while accompanying himself on the guitar. His favorite bluegrass band was Portneuf Gap. He was a regular groupie.

He will be greatly missed by his sweetheart of 58 years, Marylyn; his three children, Kevin Max (Karrie) Smith, Sheila Del (Ray) Robertson, and Kelly Vern (Valerie) Smith; eight grandchildren include Emily Thompson, Jill Gibson, Tara Hiroto, Katie Smith, Brandon Robertson, Ryan Smith, Alexis Smith and Devin Smith. Great grandchildren include Natlya Thompson, Addison, K.D. and Alex Gibson and baby Hiroto due in February.

A celebration of a life well lived by Delwyn will be held August 31, 2012 at Colonial Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.