It is with profound sadness and heartfelt sympathy that we inform you that Nowell Alexander Smith passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of February 8, 2026, with his daughter by his side.

Nowell was born on March 27, 1942, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Alex J. and Lillian G. Smith. As a young boy, he and his mother moved to Abbotsford, British Columbia, while his father served in the Canadian Air Force they then moved to Bellingham, WA.

Nowell graduated from Bellingham High School in 1960. He began his career in Mount Vernon, Washington, where he met his wife of 63 years Patricia E. Leatha. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Michelle E. Smith and Rene’ Noelle Smith.

In 1967, Nowell was promoted to Regional Manager in Portland, Oregon—a testament to his dedication, integrity, and natural leadership. After several years in Oregon and California, he and Patricia felt the pull of home and returned to Bellingham, Washington. There, they created the life they truly wanted—raising their children on a farm surrounded by family and the values they cherished most. Together, Nowell and Patricia owned and operated a successful business in downtown Bellingham for 20 years. At just 50 years old, Nowell retired, choosing to focus on what mattered most: enjoying life, spending time with family, and caring for his aging parents.

A hardworking and generous man, Nowell felt most at peace in the outdoors. He loved tending his garden, working around the yard, and lending a hand to neighbors—always ready with tools in hand and wisdom to share. For 12 years, he also dedicated his time as a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the Knee and Joint Center.

Outside of his family, his greatest pride and joy were his two mules, Jake and Jenny. He took them on Montana elk hunting trips, used them to haul logs from the back pastures, and took them on trail rides in the mountains every chance he got.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Patricia Smith; his daughter, Rene’ Smith; his granddaughter, Marlena Byers-Smith; his great-grandchildren, Collin and Emily Nicolass; his favorite sister, Maureen Haggen; his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Smith; special niece Nicole, her husband Tom Gibbon, and their daughter Georgia; nephew and godson Tyler Haggen; nephews Jeff Smith, Brian (Michelle) Smith; niece Christine (Bret) VanLant; great-nephews Josh (Chad) Smith, Zack (Sarah) Smith, and TJ (Destani) Jackson; and his special fur baby, Remi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Lillian Smith; his daughter, Michelle Smith; and his favorite brother, Gary Smith.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses at Whatcom Hospice for their loving care of Nowell.

Donations in Nowell’s memory may be made to: Whatcom Hospice Bellingham, Shriners Children’s Hospital, Unity Care Northwest or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

A memorial service for Nowell will be Friday, March 6 at 11:30 am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2117 Walnut Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.