Steven L. Smith, 60

Steven L. Smith, 60, with his family encircling him in prayer, joined our savior on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011, at the Veterans Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., after an unexpected and short diagnosis of lung cancer.

Steve was born in Indianapolis, Ind., when at age 5, his family transferred to Oxnard, Calif., where his father obtained a position as a Missile Engineer at Point Mogu, Calif. At the age of 15, he moved to Idaho to live with his mother and stepfather. In 1969 he graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School and in 1971-1972 Steve served in the United States Army as a Motor Transportation Operator serving his country in Vietnam. Steve then returned to Idaho to live his next 38 years in the Coeur d'Alene, Hayden and Rathdrum area, calling Idaho home.

Steve loved God, Family, Country and his mules and horses. Steve spent his working years logging, trucking and operating heavy equipment. These occupations afforded him the opportunity to spend his time in the areas where he loved to hunt, fish, pick huckleberries, admire nature and spend time with his family. He found his peace in the woods of North Idaho and was at home in them. He looked forward to his yearly tradition of Elk hunting up in the mountains of the "Joe" and over the years taught his skills to his family and other's. He was a lifetime member in the NRA and disagreed with the introduction of wolves to the National Forest as he had seen the decline in Elk Herds. Steve was a loving father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle and friend; with his passing he leaves a big void in our lives.

Steve is survived by his wife, Linda Ciszek-Smith, his partner of 22 years; two Daughters, Jayme and her husband Jeff Johnson of Post Falls, and Kimberly and her husband Caleb Cooper of Potlatch; five sons, Chad Smith and his wife Raina of Roseville, Calif., Matt Smith and his wife Darcy of Kempner Texas, Luke Smith of Sedalia, Colo., Tyson Hegel and his wife Katy of Clarksville, Tenn., and Zebulon Hegel, Phoenix; seven grandchildren, Brandon and Jenna Smith of Roseville, Calif., Cayse Steven Adam Smith of Post Falls, Jayda and Jaylyn Johnson of Post Falls, Wyatt Cooper of Potlatch and Emma Hegel of Clarksville; sister Sharon Smith of Maple Heights, Ohio; sister-in-law Sherie Phillips of Coeur d'Alene; three nieces, Tiffany, Sunshine and Jessica; five nephews, Shane, Chet, Jeff, Josh and Justin.

He is preceded in death by his father, Donald Edwin Smith; mother Norma Jean White and brother Stuart Eric Smith.

Services with military honors laying Steve's ashes to rest will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2011, at Rimrock Cemetery, Hudlow Road, Hayden. To follow a celebration of his life will be held at home, 15950 N. Knudson St., Rathdrum. In the fall, his remaining ashes will be spread on his beloved mountain peak.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to Meals on Wheels or local VFW.