Marion Smith

Marion Monroe Smith, 86, of Kamiah passed away at Cascade Health in Lewiston on February 23, 2022. Marion was born in Priest River, Idaho, on August 17th, 1936. Marion lived in the area almost all of his life, graduating from Stites High School, in 1953, as one of 9 graduates.

In the year 1964, Kathryn and Marion eloped to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to get married with only Betty & Bob Huntley as their witnesses. Kathryn and Marion had known and loved one another for a long time, even growing up as neighbors.

Starting in 1954, Marion joined the Army and spent 7.5 proud years serving in the US Army, and Army National Guard. He was called up for the Berlin Crisis, and then spent 10 months in Fort Lewis, Washington.

Marion was honored to be a "jack of all trades & master of none". He had many jobs, spanning across Idaho; from Potlach, to Harpster Saw Mill, to Olive's Auto Parts of Kamiah, to becoming Assistant Forest Warden, Department of Lands, Maggie Creek Protective Fire District, where he retired from. His favorite trade was making dirt roll," with his dozer, working for road crews.

Kamiah residents will recall Marion Smith being the Volunteer Fire Chief for 3 years. Utilizing his skills, he taught Red Cross First Aid to Kamiah's earliest First Responders; he drove the first ambulance that Kamiah had, which, at the time, doubled as a hearse. Marion was active in Jaycees-Kamiah, until they disbanded. Marion loved digging in the dirt, he was active in the Kamiah Arbor Society. In the early years of Kamiah, Marion also supported a little start-up of Kamiah CCU, which has now grown to become FNWCU.

A neighbor, a friend, a firefighter, a veteran, a husband, a father, grandfather and great-grandfather; there are so many ways to describe Marion M. Smith, but nothing quite captures the feeling of his big laugh and kind heart.

Marion is preceded in death by his sisters Colleen and Charlotte, his parents and Betty (Smith) Huntley.

Marion is survived by his wife, Kathryn Smith; his daughters Lena L. Soto, and Leona Lee Robertson, and 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

There will be a time for viewing on Thursday March 3rd, 2022 at Trenary Funeral Home from 4 PM to 5 PM.

A Celebration of Marion's Life will be happening Friday March 4th, 2022 at Trenary Funeral Home, starting at 12 noon. There will be a graveside service to follow, and then a memorial luncheon to at the Kamiah American Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Kamiah American Legion.