Terry Smith

October 27, 1944 – August 29, 2013

Terry Smith comes from family deeply rooted on Vashon Island, he spent his first year of life here and after growing up in Fairbanks Alaska he returned to raise his family. He travelled the world and was drafted into the US army while working on tugboats in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He retired from the ferries after 29 yrs. where in the last years of his career he enjoyed his time perfecting his smooth landings as a quartermaster. The biggest pride and joy and love of his life was his family. Terry never imagined one could be so in love with one’s children until Walker and Lillie came along. He had a tender tender heart and will be dearly missed. His knowledge and passion for WWII history and aircraft was unprecedented. He loved his cooool 49 Merc. He enjoyed tending his garden and chatting with the neighborhood ladies who admired his flowers. He was a colorful character whose presence did not go unnoticed. He died at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife Carrie Oliver and children Walker and Lillie Smith, mother Delyle Cronander sister Charmaine Nichole, Sister-in-law Ellen Jones and nieces Kimberly and Christina and many cousins and nieces and nephews from Carrie’s large extended family including his mother-in-law, island resident Dee Oliver. We are so happy his dear friend Bob Cesario was able to visit and spend precious time with us before Terry left us. He was preceded in death by his father William H. Smith and Stepfather Rus Cronander and Brother Michael Jones. We thank the wonderful Vashon hospice nurses for their loving guidance in the final journey of Terry’s life. There will be no formal service…Terry wanted a party. We plan a gathering at our home 9311 SW 274th Street on Sept. 28th 3:00-6:00.

Please visit online guestbook at www.islandfuneral.com.

Paid Obituary.