Terry Smith, 74

Terry Smith of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully Saturday Dec. 19, 2015, after a short illness.

Terry was born in Coeur d'Alene April 4, 1941, to Dale and Thelma Smith. He grew up with his younger brother Gary in Hayden and graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1959. During high school, Terry worked at the Desert Hotel in downtown Coeur d'Alene, and at a Hayden golf course, where he once caddied for Bing Crosby. Terry graduated from North Idaho College in 1961 and began serving in the Washington Air National Guard that same year.

Terry was introduced to his future wife, Marilyn Ann Larsen, by his friend (and Marilyn's cousin) Buzz. They married on April 11, 1964, in Coeur d'Alene.

Terry spent most of his 30 years in the Air National Guard working full time at Fairchild Air Force Base in the 141st Air Refueling Wing. During the 1970s and 1980s, he also worked part time at the Wilma Theater on Sherman Avenue in Coeur d'Alene, which his children loved.

After he retired from the military, Terry started working for the Coeur d'Alene School District as a bus driver in 1993. He was loved by the students and teachers alike, being specifically requested every year by the Forestry class to drive them into the woods to study. He drove buses until 2009.

Terry enjoyed playing the accordion, bowling, and using CB Radios. He also liked flying radio-controlled airplanes, playing Bingo, and going to the Coeur d'Alene Casino. Back when his son Kevin was in high school, Terry could be found enjoying all of his football games.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marilyn, and his brother Gary.

Terry is survived by his son Kevin Smith of Coeur d'Alene, daughter Stephanie Smith of Spokane, grandchildren Brenda of Spokane, Sean of Coeur d'Alene, world traveler Tristan of Coeur d'Alene and Arizona, great-grandchildren Josiah and Mikah, and niece Michelle of Spokane.

There will be a memorial reception from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to your favorite children's charity.

Please visit Terry's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com