Kris Smith

Kris A. Smith, a former resident, died August 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho after a brief illness at the age of 65. He was a hardworking, generous and patriotic man. Kris A. Smith was born on July 7, 1953 in Idaho Falls, ID to Helene and George Smith. He was raised by his Mother, Helene and her parents, Chet & Nettie Finley. Kris graduated from Skyline High School in 1971, was in the 2nd class offered at EITC receiving an AS in Nuclear Technology and later earned a BS in Nuclear Science & Technology. He retired as a Senior Health Physicist at INL in 2015. On August 3, 1973 Kris married the love of his life, Jane Arave Smith. They celebrated their 45th Anniversary earlier this month. Daughters, Charity Jane, born in 1975, and Dixie Kristine, born in 1977, were the light of Kris’ life. He was a fabulous father, coaching soccer and softball for both girls. He taught them they could achieve anything if they got their education and worked hard. He was extremely proud of the girl’s professional and personal achievements. Married at a young age, Kris & Jane had no idea of the adventures that lie ahead. They left Idaho Falls in 1979, after he had worked at Argonne and CPP at the INEL. He worked the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID, at Hanford & Energy Northwest in Tri-Cities, WA, Rocky Flats in Arvada, CO, Berkeley Nuclear Station in England, INL in Idaho Falls, ID again and then retired to Meridian, ID. While working in England, Kris & Jane traveled to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Sicily and Spain. Both Kris and Jane loved traveling, going on cruises and taking drives with Kris’ Dad, George and Jane’s Uncle, Reed Hanks. A major part of Kris & Jane’s life was the 5 months in the year they spent staying in their motorhome in Mackay, ID every summer for the past 13 years. The friendships made out in that little town meant so much to Kris. He loved the golfing, taking rides in the Can-Am, target shooting with the grandkids and having a drink or 3 with the neighbors. Kris & Jane enjoyed several trips in the motorhome and had many more trips planned. Last year they discovered and fell in love with Yuma, AZ and had planned to spend more time there, in Phoenix and Tucson this winter. Kris is survived by his wife, Jane, daughters Charity (Brian) Huff and Dixie (Joe) Weber. He is also survived by Grandsons, Trenton George Huff, Henry Kristopher Weber and Benjamin Drake Weber. Kris had a special place in his heart for their only Granddaughter, Sarah Helene Huff. Kris is also survived by his Father, George W. Smith and brothers, Wade (Kim) Smith and Jeff (Korby) Smith and Sister Kandie (Terry) Brinkman. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Grandparents, Sister, Becky Smith and In-laws, Doyle and Barbara Arave. *See "Service Information" tab for service details.