LEONARD SMITH

Leonard R. Smith Sr., 79, died May 6, 2003, at Valley Assisted Living Home in Palmer.

A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Valley Funeral Home, 151 E. Herning Avenue in Wasilla. The officiant was Jim DeSpain.

Mr. Smith was born Sept. 26, 1923, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. His formal education ended with the 6th grade, however, he was self-taught in various trades and specialties. He came to Alaska in 1948.

He lived in several areas around the state before taking up residence in Wasilla in late 1964. Most of his years were spent as a master mechanic in the International Brotherhood of Operating Engineers, Local 302. He retired from the IBOE with 40 years of service.

His special interests were hunting, being an outdoorsman, driving and reading.

His family wrote, "Dad was a very generous man and never hesitated to help anyone in need with whatever they needed. He was a good teacher and shared his knowledge and vast experiences with anyone. He will be greatly missed."

Survivors are his wife Virginia M. Gaylen-Smith of Wasilla; son and daughter-in-law Leonard Jr. and Lisa Smith of Wasilla and Dallas, Texas; daughter and son-in-law Marcy and Gerry Reynolds of Idaho; daughters, Seere Thompson, Teena Smith and Beatrice Smith, all of Wasilla; several grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren.