Marion Smith Jr.

Marion Smith Jr. said, “No one enjoys ‘or’bits,’ but if one is going out, do it with dignity and smile. Whatever you achieve in life know that you loved and were loved.”

Marion, a Montana native, passed away to a higher calling, Nov. 9, 2020. He was born to Marion and Vera Smith in Kalispell in 1932.

Marion was preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, Tami and Michael Avery, and great-grandson Jordan. He leaves behind his loving wife Connie and family who loved him very much; sons, daughters Marion “Skip,” Steve and Sandy; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Marion lived a full life, serving on the Navy destroyer USS Orleck — DD-886 during the Korean War as an electronics tech (ET). He graduated from Bozeman Montana State University with an AA in architectural design. He was a AAA champion skeet shooter and a 32nd degree Master Freemason in the Masonic Lodge.

Marion was an avid outdoorsman, including fishing, hunting, camping, metal detecting, and on and on.

Marion owned and ran several business ventures, semi-retiring at 45 and staying active in financial interests while understanding that at the end of the day, “Life is about the journey, not the destination.”

A celebration of life is tentatively planned to be held in summer 2021.