Wilbur Lee Smith, 85

Our Dad, Wilbur Lee Smith, “Lee,” left peacefully on Sept. 1, 2013, to join his true love, our mother, Marilyn, who preceded him in death in 2001.

He so looked forward to seeing his very own “Red Hot Mama” again, and strolling with her through the Heavenly Gardens! They grew up together in El Segundo, Calif., and he said often that when he saw her, she was a freshman, he knew right then he was going to marry her.

Dad played baseball and football in high school and upon graduating, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1948, as an aviation ordinanceman. He was then recruited to play baseball for the Navy while serving on Guam. He LOVED baseball, so this was a dream come true.

Upon his discharge in November 1948, he was recruited into the Cleveland Indians’ organization as a catcher.

He and Mom married that December, and he played minor league ball for several years, before settling down in Lakewood, Calif., to raise the family.

He loved working with his hands, and became a finish carpenter.

After visiting friends in North Idaho in 1970, they moved to Hayden and built their dream home.

We are blessed to have had them as parents! As you all will probably best remember them both, from the Sandtrap Restaurant, where we spent many joyful years being of service to the Hayden Community. He asked that in lieu of flowers, you either make a donation to your favorite charity, or extend some volunteer time in your community. I love you, Dad.

We invite you to please join his children, Cathy, Judy, and Gary Smith, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in celebrating this delightful man, and, his beloved, as we gather together and share stories at a memorial service at 3 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 10, 2013, at Yates Funeral Home Hayden Chapel. Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Lee’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.