Nampa – Robert Ernest Smith passed away on March 14, 2022, with family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer and dementia.
He was born on September 4, 1942, in Enid, Oklahoma. He moved to Nampa as a young child with his parents and graduated from Nampa High School in 1960.
He started his career in construction work during high school and his career took him many places. He was part of crews that constructed the Encore Room at the Owyhee Plaza Hotel and homes in the Treasure Valley. His work also took him to the Freeport Gold Mine in Elko, NV and to work on an oil shale project near Grand Junction, CO. He worked for 20 years in Alaska, including projects on the North Slope, Anchorage, and Ketchikan. He retired in 2008, after his final job constructing commercial properties in Sun Valley.
He was an avid fisherman and had the nickname of “Goldfinger,” because he could catch fish in almost any body of water. He was able to fulfill a long-time dream by buying a boat in Ketchikan, AK and running the Happy Hooker charter fishing business. He led many family adventures in the outdoors, including fishing and camping throughout Idaho, and establishing a family campground in Donnelly.
He is survived by his wife of 59 1/2 years, Joanne M. Smith; son Roy E. Smith (Kimberly) of Denver, CO; daughter Kathy M. Marsh (Shawn) of Nampa; brother James Smith (Linda) of Nampa; and sister Shirley Bow (Daniel) of Nampa. He is also survived by granddaughter Jessica Cantrell (Josh) of Chugiak, AK; granddaughter Ashley Pernell (Mark) of Donnelly; grandson Zachary Marsh (Jordan) of Nampa; granddaughter Elena Smith of Denver, CO; and granddaughter Marie Smith of Denver, CO. His great grandchildren include Hailey Pernell, Talyn Pernell, Conlan Cantrell, Kingsley Cantrell, Fynnley Marsh, and Rosey Marsh. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, E.J. Smith and Dorothy Smith, of Nampa; brother Bruce Smith of Farmington, UT; brother Charles Eugene Smith of Enid, Oklahoma; sister-in-law Karen Smith of Farmington, UT; nephew Brian Bow of Caldwell; and great granddaughter Gracey Marsh of Nampa. The family wishes to thank all of the people who assisted with his care during his final days.
He served in U.S. Army and the National Guard for a total of seven years. His wish is to be buried at the Idaho State Veterans’ Cemetery. A memorial service and a family celebration of life will be held at a later date. If you wish to contribute to a charity in his honor, donations may be made to The Salvation Army and the Boise Rescue Mission, which were his favorite charities.
Published by Idaho Press Tribune from Mar. 20 to Mar. 21, 2022.
