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Ricky Dale Smith, 61

Ricky Dale Smith, 61, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 14, 2018, just a few weeks before his 62nd birthday, at Loma Linda VA Hospital surrounded by his family. Born July 30, 1956, in Port Hueneme, Calif., the second of four boys to James Ellis and Elizabeth Smith, Ricky faithfully served his family and church out of his deep love and commitment to Christ.

He was a huge sports fan! Rams in the fall and Giants in the spring, but really, he’d watch most anything and loved teasing others about their teams.

Ricky was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by wife, Eileen Rae (Detjens) Smith; his two sons, Justin (Rikki) Smith and Michael Smith; his three brothers, Steve (Joyce) Smith, James Smith and Chris (Evelyn) Smith; his two grandsons, Jacob J. Smith and RJ Smith; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and other family members.

Ricky was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend to all. He was considered Mr. Positive due to his ability to see the bright side of everything and the best in everyone.

Ricky was a long-time California resident, graduating from high school in Port Hueneme and soon thereafter joining the Air Force, where he was stationed for a period of time in Turkey. His two sons have been the joy of his life. When he met Eileen in 1997 on a blind date, she quickly became the love of his life. They were married in Santa Barbara, Calif. During that time Ricky was the house manager for the Drug Abuse Prevention Center and greatly impacted many lives as he encouraged them in their sobriety and their faith.

They later moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to be close to his sons and grandsons, where Rick and Eileen both worked for the Coeur d’Alene Press. Ricky was well-loved by those he worked with at the newspaper. During this time, Ricky needed a lung transplant, and the family moved to Las Vegas, Nev., near his brothers while waiting for word of a lung. He received his new lung in 2003 and spent time recuperating in Wisconsin at the VA, then headed back to Las Vegas. Feeling much better, they decided to move back to Coeur d’Alene and take up their jobs back at the newspaper.

Their next move was in 2014 to Calimesa, Calif., to be near Eileen’s parents and assist in their care. Ricky was very involved with Yucaipa First Assembly and was part of their Second Acts team, envisioning what God could do in this area through them.

A special thank you to the Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda, Calif., for their loving care and support. Also thank you to Yucaipa First Assembly for all of their loving support and assistance with arrangements in Rick’s last days.

Funeral services for Ricky are July 18, 2018, at the Yucaipa First Assembly, 12226 Second St., Yucaipa, Calif., arranged by Weaver-Hughes Mortuary in Yucaipa. Memories may be shared on their website. Ricky was laid to rest in a ceremony for family at the Riverside National Cemetery, in Riverside, Calif. In lieu of flowers Ricky requested donations be made to his family to assist them in moving forward.