Kelly Dean Smith June 18, 1952 - August 1, 2012

Kelly Dean Smith was born June 18, 1952 in North Bend, Oregon to Sidney and Carolyn (Sherwood) Smith. He died August 1, 2012 with his life partner Danielle Fougere by his side.

Kelly grew up in Tillamook County, where he enjoyed spending time with his grandparents. He joined the United States Navy in 1970. He served as a marine mechanic on the USS Ticonderoga before being honorably discharged in 1971.

He then returned to Oregon, where he spent his life doing what he wanted, when he wanted.

He was an angry, gruff man on the outside, but if you were lucky enough to know him you got to see he was a loving man with a colorful vocabulary.

He told amazing stories, with the ability to draw you in as though you were there.

He loved spending time with his family, friends, and cronies alike.

He loved being in the outdoors, whether he was riding motorcycles, camping, fishing, hunting, rock-hounding, panning for gold, or just watching nature.

He was a man with a real zest for life, living life on his own terms.

He believed in living everyday as though it were your last, often saying "No one gets off this rock alive."

He is survived by Danielle Fougere, Barbara Smith; his children, John Mezyk and his wife Adrienne, Tawna Smith-Ware, Charity Munch, Jason Neste, Michelle Long and her husband Ryan, Cyril Jacob, Robert Hurd, and Amanda Smith; his grandchildren, Christian Munch, Isaiah Munch, Sierra Crawford, Mitchell Smith-Long, Nathan Stoneman, Devon Mezyk, Sean Mezyk, Kaili Mezyk, Adrianna Mezyk, Willow Mezyk, and Unique Spain; his brother Lee Smith, and his sisters, Kat Downes and her husband James, Alecia Smith, Jennifer White and her husband Larry, Lucinda Plummer and her husband Herb; his nieces, Jaime and Brooke; his nephews, Edward, Mathew, Aaron, Alex, Joel, Kenny, Chad, Jeremy, Michael, and Andrew; and all of his "adopted" family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother David Smith; his son Kelly Dean Smith, Jr.; and nephew, Dustin.

A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday, September 8, at Golden's Funeral Home 605 Commercial Street S.E. Salem, Oregon 97301.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the charitable organization of your choice.