Smith_Lester_4 October, 1912
Lester morel Smith, 84, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 1997, after a courageous battle to regain his health after suffering a stroke on April 9, 1995.
“Les” was born October 4, 1912, in Malad, Idaho, while the family lived on their homestead in Daniels, near St. John, Idaho. He was the seventh child in the family of fourteen born to Albert I. Smith and Charlotte Richards.
In 1924 the family moved from Idaho to Lakeside, Utah, then, several years later they settled on a small farm in Fairmont.
He was educated in Weber County schools and worked during the summers for various farmers in the county.
During the early 1930’s he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps where he assisted with the building of facilities and trails in several of the state parks in southern Utah. Later returned to this area where he helped with the construction of the Hi-line Canal. In 1942, Les took a job with the Ogden Union Railway & Depot Company, retiring from the Union pacific Railroad after 32 years of service in 1974.
Les married Velma M. Roderick on July 30, 1936, in Ogden, where they made their home and raised their family. He was very dedicated to his wife and family. In 1996 Lester and Velma celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at a barbecue with family and friends.
Among his hobbies was gardening, hiking, and watching the Utah Jazz. After his retirement he spent many hours a week hiking at the Fort Buenaventura State Park.
‘He is survived by his wife, Velma, two sons and two daughters: Dixie (E.G.) Parmenter, Sunnyvale, Calif.; Ray R. (Ramona) Ogden; Reli R. (Carma), Ogden; Valeen (Jerry) Archibald, San Diego, Calif. Also surviving are two brothers and one sister: Dillon Smith, Ogden; Norman D. Smith, Carson City, Nev.; and Idonna J. Penrod, Ogden, Utah; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday April 1, 1997 at 1 p.m. at Leavitt’s Chapel of Flowers Mortuary, 863 36th Street, Ogden, Utah.
Friends and family may call at the mortuary from 6 to 8 Monday and one hour prior to services.
Interment will be at Leavitt’s Aultorest Memorial Park.
Our sincere appreciation and thanks to Dawna Tourangeau for her loving family care; to Debbie Roller and her staff at Mapleridge Adult Day Care Center, to the staff in T.C.U. and Chaplins at the Ogden Regional Medical Center; and to the members of the LDS Wilson 1st Ward.