Eugene "Gene" Albert Smith

Eugene “Gene” Smith, age 79, of Bellingham passed away Friday, June 7, 2019 at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital.  Gene was born September 11, 1939 in Nampa, Idaho to parents LaZola and Frances (Jenkins) Smith.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sonia; daughter, Cheryl Fletcher (fiancé, Bruce Kemp), son, Rob Smith and wife Kary Smith, daughter, Jaime Smith (boyfriend Steve Matriotti); brothers-in-laws, Jerry Hansen and Gary Hendricks, very close family friends Carl and Rochelle Ratcliff. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and of course his dog Kylie.  Gene was preceded in death by his parents, LaZola Jones and Frances Smith, his loving step-father Rollis Jones and step-mother Audrey, mother and father in law May and Tony Hansen and sister, Diana Hendricks. 

Gene attended Nooksack High School, joining the Navy right after and served during the Vietman war.  Gene left the Navy after the birth of their first child Cheryl.  He then began his career at Intalco Aluminum where he retired from.

Gene loved spending time with his family and loved attending horse shows all over the country with his wife and children.  Gene was a very talented man who could make or fix anything.  He loved working on cars, hunting and camping, furniture making, doing leather work and making jewelry.  Gene and Sonia were also avid bowlers and bowled on many leagues. 

Gene was always the go to phone call whenever his kids had a problem.  Gene and Sonia had an enviable relationship that spanned over 56 years of marriage.  He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made to the, Whatcom Humane Society, 2172 Division Street, Bellingham, WA  98226, 360-733-2080.