Charles Henry 'Charlie' Smart, 59

Charles Henry “Charlie” Smart passed away Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, at his home.

He was born in Polson on July 19, 1954, to Don and Maryellen Smart. At birth, Charlie weighed a mere 2 pounds. Charlie was the third of five boys. He worked on the Vanvost farm until he was old enough to get his license to drive truck. Sitting behind the steering wheel of a diesel truck was always his calling. Driving truck was his job until he retired for health reasons in 2006. 

In 1984 he married Lynda Thurgood and of that marriage came his only son, Chase Smart. Charlie was very proud of Chase's graduation and service in the military as a Marine. His next greatest joy was the birth of his granddaughter and the only Smart female heir, Savannah Joy Smart.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Don. 

He is survived by his son, Chase, and Sarah Smart, of Aurora Colo.; brothers, George of Polson, Stan and Diane of Cheney Wash., and Brian of Polson; granddaughter, Savannah; and aunt, Betty Christensen, of Kalispell. He is also leaves behind Missy and Smokey (the cats) of Ronan, four nephews, many cousins and friends. 

Charlie loved his bowling, something that he did three nights a week — Monday night merchants, Tuesday out-o-rounders and Sunday mixed.  

Even with all that Charlie had been through medically, he always had a smile on his face and was always cracking jokes. He was kind to everyone and we loved him for that. More people need to be like Charlie.

A potluck reception/ barbecue will be held at 7 p.m. today at the Corbett residence on Terrace Lake Road east of Ronan.