Longtime Boring resident, Dan T. Smith, died November 21, 2020. He was 93.
Dan was born June 10, 1927 to Charles and Grace (Kramer) Smith in Portland, Oregon. He spent his childhood in the Portland area, graduating from Benson Polytechnic High School before attending Portland State University.
In 1944 Dan entered into the United States Navy at the age of 17 to serve his country during World War II. Dan served as a member of the SEABEES, operating in the Pacific and in Okinawa, Japan until his discharge in 1946. A year after he left the Navy, he re-enlisted in 1947, serving during the Korean War on the USS Namakagon as a Boatswain’s Mate or Bosemate.
After his service Dan worked at the Railroad as a clerk before moving on to home building and cabinet making, becoming a master carpenter. Dan was a member of the Sandy Baptist Church and of the Model A Club of America.
Dan had many hobbies over the years but some of his favorites include woodworking, classic cars and racecars, especially NASCAR. He loved to read in his spare time, especially Louis L’Amour and suspense adventure books.
The last 30 years of his life was spent with his companion and best friend, Maxine Smith. Together they traveled all over and shared a love of animals. They were especially happy to get to visit with any of their grandchildren. No one was ever a stranger and they were always ready to share their love of life.
Dan is survived by his six children; sons Ivan Smith of Portland, OR. Greg and Teresa Smith of Nampa ID. and daughters Cherri Loften of Gresham, OR. Barbury Smith of Portland, OR. Stephanie and Steve Phillips of Medford, OR. And Lori Sander of Portland, OR. Along with eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchild and one great-great-grandchild.
A memorial for Dan and Maxine will be held in March of 2021.