TEMPLE – It is with broken and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Ron Smith Sr.
He was born on May 24, 1945, the youngest child of Roger Lyford Smith Sr. and Gladys Riggs Smith. His older siblings Lillian, Roger Jr., and Alberta predeceased him.
After an education that started in the Red Schoolhouse in Temple, he graduated from Farmington High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Rehoboth, Mass.
On June 9, 1967, he married his soul mate and best friend, Rita. Together, they raised four children: Lynn, Diane (Ken), Ron Jr. (Kelly) and Bill (Becky). Through their childhood, he served as a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 585, a baseball coach for both the Temple Mini Tigers and the Temple Tigers, and was a member of the Temple Fire Dept., retiring as Asst. Chief. His true joy was his grandchildren, Rebekah (Aaron), Laura (Henry IV), Peyton (Ashley), Madisyn, Daniel (Alee), and Zach (Samantha). Ron and Rita bought a camp in Anson so that his family would have a place to spend weekends and make new memories.
It was his granddaughters who convinced him to join the American Legion where he would make many new friends and memories. His stories grew larger as great grandchildren Josh, Ellie, Henry V, Addy, Alister and Rowan arrived, as he wanted to make sure that they knew it was more about how you told the story, than how you actually caught the fish. We have no doubt that he is now teaching his great grandson, Samuel, those same things.
In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by his brother in-law, Larry (Connie); many nieces and nephews; and friends who became family. If you knew him, you have a story and a memory that is never told the same way twice.
If you desire, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Legion Post #28 Building Fund, PO Box 648, Farmington, ME 04938.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 2 p.m., at the American Legion Hall, 158 High St., Farmington, ME. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.
Rita and all: What a character he was. About as likeable as anyone you’d ever meet and about as skilled
at throwing the bull as anyone in Franklin County. He’s going to be missed…at the Legion, at Farmington Fair, at the West Farmington Post Office, and all over Temple. Rest assured, this fella won’t be forgotten. So sorry for your loss.
Ron and Kelly I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Condolences to Rita and all of Ron’s family.
So sorry to read this…My condolences to all.of you.
.Justll loved listening to.his stories…and he certainly be missed by many
Rest in Peace Ron..
Rita and family. Connie and I are so sorry for your loss, we are here for you any time you need us. We love you all and you are always in our thoughts.
Ron and Rita have always been wonderfully caring and gracious people. I was welcomed in their home as a teenager via my lifelong friendship with Bill, Ron, and Kelly. They always treated me like one of the family and they became a second set of parents.
So very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Ron was a fountain of knowledge and wisdom, a great storyteller, and a real treat to spend any amount of time with.
Condolences to the entire Smith clan on this loss. I do not have the words.
Rita, I’m so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I pray that a lifetime of collected memories give you peace and comfort.
To Rita and the Smith family, Glenice and I send our condolences to Rita and the Smith family. He was such a character and he was the perfect person to play Santa Claus at Christmas and so giving of his time to come to our home as Santa to thrill our children and grandchildren.
He will be missed by so many :-( but spread good cheer to everyone he met.
Sorry for ur loss Rita..he is an amazing man ..he will be missed…
Sorry for your loss Rita. You were a wonderful team.
Rita I am so sorry to hear this!! Ron was a wonderful man. He will be so missed by everyone! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!❤️❤️❤️
Rita & Family,
I am so sorry to read about Ron’s passing; what a friendly, jovial guy he was to everyone – one of a kind. Your cherished memories will bring you comfort and peace as you grieve a great life. My heart goes out to all of you.
Pat Carpenter, UMF
Rita and family,
Ron is and will be such a loss to the UMF Community as well as the World community. There was so much to him, and Rita you have been right there shoulder to shoulder supporting you – a solid team. Carl would be sorry to hear of our loss. Thank you for everything, Ron and Rita, a family within UMF. Cindy Lethem
So Sorry for your loss. Ron was a great mentor to young kids including myself growing up in Temple. My prayers of with his family
Rita, Lynn, Diane, Ron and Billy, So sorry for your loss. I hope he up there playing cards with Charlie, George, and other old friends who have passed before him. He will be missed. Sending my love to you all.