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Arvel Clayton Smith, 92

Arvel Clayton Smith, aka “Pops,” passed away Jan. 27, 2018, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at the age of 92. Arvel was born on March 26, 1925, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ed and Irene Smith. He had a sister and four brothers, one of whom, Bart Smith (and family) still reside near his home in Post Falls, Idaho.

Arvel proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, where he spent several months in the Pacific Islands. He loved hunting, fishing and building small wooden cars and trucks from a pattern he created himself. While many people offered to buy these little vehicles from him, Arvel was a very generous man who gave away most of them to anyone who asked or showed interest, did him a kindness, and of course to friends and family.

Pops was a school teacher for most of his adult life, teaching Math, Mechanical Drawing, and his favorite, Woodworking Shop, to high school students in Lodi, Calif. He made such an impression on his former students and fellow teachers that several of them remained in touch, and visited with him regularly throughout the years.

Arvel married the love of his life, Agnes, on April 12, 1947, and they spent 56 wonderful years together and raised three sons, Eugene, Brian and Darrel.

For those of us who spent any time at all with Pops, we can attest to the fact that he was one of the best storytellers ever, recounting the experiences of his life with a twinkle in his eyes and mesmerizing anyone within earshot.

Arvel’s vast extended family included eight grandkids, 16 great-grandkids and four great-great-grandkids so far. He loved his family and was loved more than words by all of us. Arvel left an amazing legacy and will never be forgotten. Pops will be laid to rest by his wife, Agnes, in Evergreen Cemetery, Post Falls, Idaho.

English Funeral Chapel in Post Falls, Idaho, has been entrusted with the arrangements.