Clinton John Smith

Jack Smith 76, passed away peacefully in his Naselle residence on February 21, 2013. He was born in Scappoose, Oregon on November 23, 1936. Jack grew up in Skamokawa on a dairy farm which later led to owning his own dairy, later becoming a long-time local resident. Jack attended Lewis and Clark College in Portland where he played baseball, basketball and football. Although he was offered to go professional in baseball, he chose to enlist in the Army and played ball for them while stationed in Hawaii. After leaving the Army he returned to Skamokawa and started a family. After some time and different life changes Jack remarried and took on raising his wife Renees' children and they had a son together. A log truck driver for 34 years, Jack also ran a quarter horse ranch. Horses were a passion for Jack, and he loved telling about the time he rode his horse into the tavern and ordered a 6 pack to go for the ride. He traveled the state attending horse shows with his family, hosted horse events at his ranch in Grays River, and was the community farrier. Jack loved the great outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and driving the backroads keeping track of "his herds". He was a great fan of sports, longtime youth coach, and umpired both Little League and Babe Ruth games. Although he grew up in "mule country," in his adult years he could be seen at almost every Naselle Comet sporting event. He is survived by his wife, Renee Smith; daughters Brenda Merryman, Marnee Smith-Thomas, Kimberly Miller, and daughter of his heart, Viviana Matthews; sons Darren Gray, Lance Gray, Craig Smith; 14 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by daughter Shelly Smith. Come casual and help us celebrate Jack's life at the Naselle Grange on Saturday, March 2nd at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please donate in his name to the Naselle Fire/Ambulance or the Naselle Lutheran Church. His guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.