Donald G. Smith

Don Smith, arm wrestler, tomato grower, accomplished fisherman and loved ""Papa Don"" passed away at home on Saturday, July 20th, 2013. Don was born in Portland, but spent his childhood in Prineville on a farm where he learned to shear sheep and perfect his fishing skills. He met Joan O'Halloran cruising Broadway and they were married in February 1957. They moved to North Portland and began raising a family. In 1974, Don started a successful crane business that he and Joan ran for 15 years. Don loved the outdoors and many weekends were spent floating the Deschutes River, hunting in Eastern Oregon, fishing in Prineville or crabbing at the coast. Always willing to lend a helping hand and quick to give a big bear hug; as church greeter, you could always count on a warm welcome. He spent much time and energy volunteering his love and talent of cooking. Fresh buttered corn at the Church picnic and a tasty sauce at the Spaghetti dinners were some of his specialties. He also served as a past president of the All-Ireland Social Club. He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters, Karen and husband, Gene and Eileen and husband, Raymond; 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. The family requests in lieu of flowers a contribution be made in his memory to Providence Hospice. A Rosary followed by a Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2013 at Saint John The Baptist Catholic Church, Milwaukie, OR.