Richard Alan Smith Obituary (2023)

Dick was born in Seattle, WA, on August 9, 1930, to M. Todd and Margaret Berry Smith. Dick learned from his father, the value of a fathers love for his family, generosity, and kindness. From his mother, appreciation for art, architecture, and design. He was raised in Magnolia/Queen Anne neighborhoods, establishing his life-long passion for baseball at an early age. Dick was Seattle High Schools batting champion in 1947, All American in 1948. Upon graduating from Queene Anne High School, on the hilltop, he signed his first contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He attended the University of Washington, pledging Alpha Tau Omega, studying advertising, commercial art, and architecture. He met his future beloved bride of nearly 70 years, Betty Reifel, and established many life-long friendships. In 1957, Dick moved to Yakima to start the family business with his father and brother and raise his children. He was an active contributor to the Yakima Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Capital Theatre, Lions Club, PCL Historical Society, Yakima Country Club, Tennis Club, American Cancer Society, and founding member of the Parker Foundation. Dicks sense of theatre, charisma and style held the course throughout his years. He was a dreamer, always creating, designing and drawing. His talents could readily be seen in his own English Tudor home and gardens, as well as his dream log cabin home in Sun Valley. His endless collections of fine wines, books, artwork, and cars were legendary. His keen interests included skiing, tennis, fishing, hunting, dog training, traveling, cooking, oil painting, drafting, watching old western movies and following Husky football. Dick is survived by his brother, Todd B. (Charlene) Smith, daughters, Shary (Pat) Cahill, Laura (Joe) Drovetto, precious Pam (Pat) Sudmeier, grandchildren, Patrick (Sarah) Cahill, Tony Drovetto, Lorraine (Alfy) Anderson, Nick Drovetto, Laura (Dan) Kapustka, four great-grandsons, and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends were his soul. Baseball fed his Spirit. We will miss you, #44. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.