Robert Darrel Smith passed away peacefully early October 16, 2004, at Ivy Place in Boise, Idaho.
Darrel was born in the Crane Creek, Idaho area, April 20, 1904, to Alex and Effie Anne Cochran Smith, the youngest of three children. The family lived on their father’s homestead until Darrel was 2 years old, when they moved to Payette, Idaho. When he was 7, the family moved to the ranch his father purchased near Durkee where he rode a horse to a one-room schoolhouse and completed the eighth grade.
After attending his high school freshman year in Brownsville, Ore., he returned to Durkee to work and help support the family. At the age of 19, Darrel was involved in an industrial accident at Lime, which resulted in his enrollment in a two-year Business School in Portland, where he earned a business degree. Shortly after graduation, he was employed by Idaho Power Company as a timekeeper on their dam and power-line construction projects. This resulted in an accounting position in their general office in Boise, Idaho. In 1945, to satisfy a yearning to return to his early ranch life, he moved his young family and became partners with his brother, Wilbur, on the family cattle ranch at Durkee. The brothers worked together until 1956, when Darrel returned to Boise to take a position with Idaho Power Company as a right-of-way purchasing agent. He retired in 1965 and continued part-time as a consultant.
In 1930, Darrel met the love of his life, Hazel Mildred Clawson, and on Aug. 2, they were married in Weiser, Idaho. After six years, they welcomed Sally Ann followed by Robert Wilbur two years later. Sally and Bob were raised in the same surroundings and lifestyle as Darrel enjoyed during his youth. Darrel and Hazel were members of Redeemer Lutheran Church where they enjoyed the love and support of their church family. The Boise Elks Lodge 310 was part of Darrel’s life for 61 years.
A man strong in character, Darrel will be remembered as one who never used his disability as an excuse to free him from what needed to be done. He would ride a horse, fix fence or run any piece of farm equipment along with the others. He was a kind and loyal father, grandfather, and friend. He will always be missed and have a special place in our hearts.
Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Effie, his siblings Marie Bivens and Wilbur as well as his wife Hazel. After Hazel’s death in 1993, he continued living in their home on Reseiguie. At the age of 97, he realized the need for assisted living and moved into Plantation Place. Requiring additional care after some recent physical set backs, he enjoyed his last few months at Ivy Place.
Darrel is survived by Sally, her husband, Mick Matthews and their sons, John and Mark Matthews and daughters, Debbie Montgomery and Peggy Newman along with their spouses. Also surviving are Bob and his wife, Ruth Ann, Bob’s sons, Dan, Brent and Rodney Smith; Ruth Ann’s children Kevin Bissing, Lesley Ann Sand and Allyson Bissing and their spouses. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews share his memories.
The family would like to thank the wonderful care givers at Plantation Place, Ivy Place, and Four Rivers Hospice for their compassionate and loving consideration of Darrel these last few years.
Services in celebration of Darrel’s life were conducted by Pastor Christian Marien of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 1 p.m. at Summers Funeral Home, 1205 W. Bannock Street, Boise, Idaho. Following the service, a reception was held at 4605 Savannah Lane. Inurnment will be conducted at Dry Creek Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to you favorite charity in Darrel’s name
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, October, 2004
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor