R. Blair Smith

R. Blair Smith died peacefully surrounded by family in Chandler, Arizona, on Sunday, March 13, 2016, at the age of 70.

Blair is survived by his wife, Krikitt Smith; his children, Sonya Smith, Jared Smith, Jolyn Smith, Jacob Smith, Travis Smith, Wayne Humbert and Stephen Zazilenski; and siblings, Samuel Smith, Mary Martinez, R. Brent Smith and Larry Smithing. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Blair is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ila Smith; and his brother, Vern Smith.

Blair was born on June 30, 1945, in Rexburg, Idaho. He was an airline pilot for 36 years, achieving the rank of 747 captain for Northwest Airlines (now Delta). He met and married his wife of 20 years in Wasilla, Alaska.

As a young man, he served a mission for the LDS church in Uruguay and Paraguay. Later in life, he served a second mission at the Bishop’s Storehouse in Palmer, Alaska. His passions included hunting and fishing, as well as building and flying light aircraft. He wrote five books and many poems; two of his books were published and are available on Amazon. He enjoyed making wooden ink pens in his spare time, and loved sharing that hobby with his children and grandchildren. He had an adventurous spirit and unflagging sense of humor, and taught his family to live well and love life.

Blair will be remembered in a service at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2016, at the LDS Chapel at 821 E Dellwood St. in Wasilla. Burial will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, at the Fort Richardson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his honor to the Boy Scouts of America.