SMITH, Dale Dwight

Kingman Daily Miner, Kingman, AZ - Published on July 1, 2012 - The gentle soul of Dale Dwight Smith left this earth on Friday, June 8, 2012. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Barbara Smith; his four children and their families, Sheila Luken, Justin Michael Smith, Trevor Smith, and Nicole Smith; his mother, Joyce Smith; his brothers, Bruce Smith, Dean Smith, Kent Smith, Wade Smith, Todd Smith, and Scott Smith; and countless others who were touched by his kindness, his ready smile and his sparkly blue eyes. He is no doubt now rejoicing in a reunion with his father, Verrol Smith. Dale was born in Willmar, Minn., on Sept. 15, 1949, and was raised on a farm near Paynesville, Minn. He was a 1967 graduate of Paynesville High School. Consistent with his remarkable drawing ability, he received a drafting degree from Willmar Area Vo-Tech, marrying Barbara Skogstad shortly thereafter. He launched a career in the telephone industry, working hard to support his growing family. For many years he worked for Citizens' Utilities here in Kingman. His family, though, remembers his quiet emotional support more than anything. His children all carry with them the knowledge of how much he loved them and seek to honor that legacy in their own lives. Dale also passed on to his children his love of rock and roll, chewy candy, and buttery popcorn. Dale worked to make the community a better place, volunteering with the Boy Scouts, helping build a park, and competing in numerous golf fundraisers (of course, he loved any opportunity to play golf!). When Dale was diagnosed with Alzheimer's six years ago, he came to a peace with his disease and made the most of the time he had left - traveling, spending time with family, and showing his grandchildren what love looks like. Dale hoped that his experience could be used to benefit others, so he graciously donated his body for research. For those who would like to honor his hope, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pxfid=43823&fr_id=1060&pg=fund. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on July 23, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City, Minn.