Leroy Irvin Smith, 73, died Jan. 20, 2002, at Providence Milwaukie Hospital after six days of illness there.
He was born Sept. 4, 1928, at Marshfield (now known as Coos Bay). He was the sixth of seven children.
In 1937, the Smith family moved from Marshfield to Carus where Leroy attended grade school He graduated from high school at Canby in 1945.
Leroy grew up with an enjoyment for sports. He especially loved baseball. He participated with his high school team as a catcher, but also was able to fill any other position on the field.
His enjoyment of the game continued after school, leading him into coaching Little League teams. As an adult, Leroy worked many jobs, but found real satisfaction as a long-haul truck driver for the Yellow Truck Co. and as a baggage handler for Greyhound Bus lines.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Williams Smith of the Rock Creek and Muddy Creek areas, and Lewis Smith; and four brothers, Robert, Herbert, Chester and Ralph.
Survivors include two sisters, Kaye of Roy, Utah, and Myrtle of Baker City; and many nieces and nephews.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, February 1, 2002
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor