Gerald Henry Smith

In loving memory of Jerry Smith, the Irish Indian Jerry Smith died in his sleep in his Lake Stevens home on July 14th, 2011; he was 74. Jerry was born Gerald H. Smith on March 10th, 1937 in Sioux City, Iowa as one of ten children born to Vernon E. Smith and Vera B. Smith (Phillips). When Jerry was a young boy his family moved to Seattle at the encouragement of his oldest brother, Don. Jerrys family purchased their family home near Union Street in Seattles Central District, which is where Jerry spent most of his youth. Jerry graduated from Garfield High School in 1956. Jerry cherished his large family and had a great network of friends throughout Seattle. As a young man he worked at Schwabacher hardware and then for a wholesale store up on Greenwood and around this time he met his wife-to-be, Jean MacClellan. Once married, Jean and Jerry set up their first home in a small duplex near Seattles Holman Road and while living there they gave birth to their first son, Chris. Not long after Chris was born, Jean and Jerry moved their small family north to Lynnwood at the recommendation of close friends. There they eventually welcomed their daughter Cara and then their 3rd child, Brian. Early on in their marriage, Jerry earned a position as an auto parts salesman at Huletz Electric in downtown Seattle. In the early 80s, after years of service at Huletz, Jerry moved to a similar role at Seattle Automotive. Jerry made many great friends and forged long-lasting relationships while at both companies. Outside of his commitment and passion for working, Jerry was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing from a very young age and up until this past year when he, his son Chris and other friends went on their annual deer hunting trip. Jerry also loved the Puget Sound and was a committed salmon fisherman. After moving to Edmonds in the late 70s Jerry earned his salmon charter license, purchased the necessary licensing for his boat, the Irish Indian, and turned his weekend hobby into a second occupation. For many years, the Irish Indian was one of few boats that dominated the Edmonds salmon fishing scene. Jerry took great pride in skippering and creating rich memories for those who joined him aboard his boat. Jerry and his family made many great friends within the Edmonds fishing community and always enjoyed sharing memories and reflecting upon their experiences. Jerry retired from Seattle Automotive in 2008. In recent years, he and his beloved dog, Skooter, settled comfortably into his Lake Stevens home. His children and grandchildren would visit him often to work on varying projects and to spend time with him sitting and talking out on his front deck. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, four brothers and his former wife, Jean. Jerry is survived by his son, Christopher G. Smith (Peggy); daughter, Cara E. Kuller (Mark); son, Brian M. Smith (Erica); grandchildren, Ryan, Erika, Kaitlin, Max, Tasha, Shelby, Rachel, Finn and Emilio Mil; sisters Arvilla Kauffman (Doug); Cleora Tootsie Williams (Roy), Kelly Hill and Beverly Lane; many other family members and countless friends. Announcement: In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Rotary Internationals program to immunize the worlds children against polio at http://www.rotary.org