1932
2012
Oliver Harvey Smith, born October 11, 1932 in Rotterdam Junction, New York, beloved husband of Josephine Anne Scoralle (Joanne Smith), passed away on October 3, 2012 in Renton, Washington following a brave battle with cancer. Ollie was a graduate of Hoquiam High School in 1950. He enlisted in the Marine Reserves while he was in high school and served five months before being honorably discharged due to a vision problem. He also sailed with the Military Sea Transport Service taking trips to Korea. In 1952 he enrolled in Seattle Pacific College and went on to graduate with a degree in Education in 1956. Ollie and Joanne have four children, Andrew (Lorrie), Rachel (Chuck), Janet (Walt) and Russell (Kelly). Their seven grandchildren are Andrea (Daniel,) Nicole (Chris,) Michelle (Jerry,) Matthew, Jordan, Nathan and Natalie. Their five great-grandchildren are Kathryn, Aidan, Olivia, Peyton and Cameron. Ollie leaves behind two sisters Rose Brown and Phyllis Baeder, his brother Richard Smith (Merrie,) brother-in-law Dr. Donald Scoralle (Betty) and their extended families. He also leaves behind many special friends, neighbors and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Ollie worked every summer when school wasn't in session at various jobs, but his primary job was that of a teacher in the Aberdeen School District from 1956 through 1968. He taught at A.J. West, Hopkins and McDermoth Junior High Schools before moving his family to Renton, Washington in 1968. After teaching at Benson Hill Elementary School and a few other schools in Renton, he retired from teaching public school and took a teaching job at Maple Valley Christian School (now Rainier Christian School) until his official retirement in 1998. Ollie touched the lives of many students during his career and enjoyed seeing students while he was out.
Ollie, along with Joanne, loved family, traveling, playing cards, reading, relaxing, and faithfully followed many sports teams. They enjoyed the Seattle Seahawks, University of Washington Huskies and especially the Seattle Mariners. Their travels took them to California, the East Coast, England, Europe, Canada, and Arizona for the Seattle Mariners Spring Training.
Ollie was a history and geography fanatic – there wasn't a map he didn't like. He loved to eat so married well as Joanne was his favorite cook and baker. Ollie could be seen after every meal and snack with his infamous toothpick. Other things he enjoyed over the years were coaching and he was a referee. Joanne and Ollie were active members of Harbor Free Methodist Church where they met many life long friends and also Renton Park Chapel, again, meeting many great friends. Oliver had a servant's heart and loved the Lord and spent many years volunteering doing the Lord's work.
There will be a viewing on his 80th birthday, October 11, 2012 from noon until 7:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, 350 Monroe Avenue NE, Renton, WA 98056. The entombment will be the following day at 12 Noon at Greenwood Cemetary, with a Celebration of Life at 4:00 p.m. at Rainier Christian School which is located at 16700 174th Avenue SE, Renton, WA 98058. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Rainier Christian School, 16700 174th Avenue SE, Renton, WA 98058, Attention: Rev. Weldo Melvin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 19, 2012
Dear Joanne and Family,
You have our prayers and sincerest sympathy on the passing of Ollie. We are on Maui and I was catching up on reading on-line and saw that he had passed away. We've been thinking of all the wonderful memories of both you Joanne (working with Dave at the
Bank) and Ollie at sports events and 1st EPC. We remember Russ too. Take good care of each other as it will be an adjustment.
God will walk with you and comfort you each step of the way.
Lots of Love from Dave and Joyce Langley.(Bellingham, Wa)
October 16, 2012
I knew Ollie from the Free Methodist Church in Hoquiam. On a Saturday morning in the 60's, we were volunteering on the new church construction and he taught me the Notre Dame fight song. I've been Fighting Irish fan ever since. RIP Ollie.....
your were a good person. John McPeak Las Vegas, NV
October 15, 2012
Paul Stewart
To think of the many young adults he taught over his career he most amazingly always maintained a compassionate interest about his students well being (long after his classroom experience with them). I would run into him periodically and he would always ask about my son Jeremy and how he was doing for many years later. It spoke to me about the love our Lord has for us being so aptly modeled in Ollie's life. He will be sorely missed. Praise God for the legacy on so many he left (including the parents). May his memory and legacy be long remembered and followed!
October 13, 2012
Lena Binetti
Dear Joanne and family,
Just want you to know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike especially felt bad that he couldn't come in person to be with you but he sends his best to all of you.
The Celebration of Life at the school was very, very meaningful. The pastor seemed to know exactly what to say. You can tell he really knew Oliver.
We will continue to pray for you especially Joanne. The coming weeks and months will not be easy but with God's help and your wonderful caring family, you will get through it all.
Many, many hugs and blessings,
Lena and Mike Binetti.
October 12, 2012
Barbara Salmon
I was so sad to learn of Mr. Smith's passing. I had him as a 5th grade teacher at A.J. West. I might have even been in his first class. He was a wonderful teacher, very patient, and as I look back he loved "his" kids. My favorite memory is of him singing Columbia Gem of the Ocean for us during our singing time. Those days the teacher had to do it all. :) He had a wonderful voice. I was so blessed to have had him as one of my teachers.
October 11, 2012
David Palmer
Mr. Smith was dearly loved by his students and appreciated by their parents. Our daughter was actually assigned to the other 6th Grade class at Maple Valley Christian, but she did have several subjects with Mr. Smith. She enjoyed his teaching tremendously. I always appreciated his sense of humor and his caring method of teaching, even though not tolerating a lot of nonsense, either!!! :-) David Palmer, Federal Way, WA (father of Rebekah Palmer who had Mr. Smith during the 1994-95 school year)
October 10, 2012
I remember the kindness of Oliver & Joanne when I was new to Grays Harbor. It was a privilege to attend the same church, and participate in activities together. His sense of humor was contagious. Though we haven't seen each other much since their move north, we still have memories to dwell on. I thank God for the impact on my life. Following the Smiths' move, I married Richard Smith's classmate, Spencer Stamper, who also remembers Oliver. We look forward to a day when we'll be together again in a place where there is no illness or sorrow. Love, Spencer & Ruth (Warner) Stamper
October 9, 2012
Dick Drumm
Ollie was one of those most-unforgettable characters one always hears about. I had the privilege of having him bring his 4th graders into proper ship-shape before he and his teaching team handed them over to us 5th grade teachers. And they always did a marvelous job of matching them up to each of us and our teaching styles. One never tired of his quirky adages and similes... just what the doctor ordered to keep the sanity at Benson Hill.
I'll forever remember playing for the Ollie-managed slow pitch softball team in the Renton league for several years. I got to roam centerfield with his son Andy in an adjacent field, Ollie on the mound and son Russ as our batboy. (Nepotism?) Our daughter - now 38 and running her own academy of music in Massachusetts - was constantly the center of his attention in her stroller at our games. He got such a kick out of her ubiquitous box of raisins snack. She even named her big-wheels (Remember those?) "Ollie"! Top that for an honor!
We'll all miss you, Ollie, for you were always a good friend. Although we are the poorer for your passing, we are all much richer for your having passed through our lives. Our sincerest and heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Joanne and your whole, extensive brood, all who were proud to call you "theirs".
October 9, 2012
Rose Brown
Your sister, Rose. I have lots of very fond memories of us growing up and times I spent with all the family. You were a wonderful brother. I will miss talking to you on the phone. We'll meet again some day. In the mean time I will miss you.
October 9, 2012
Julie Thomson
To think of how just one person could make such a remarkable long-lasting impact in one's life is such a testimony in and of itself. Because of you Mr. Smith, I am passionate about American history and our military to say the least. One of my all-time favorite movies is Bridge on the River Kwai, and I can't help but think of you every time I watch it. Thank you for the wonderful memories you gave me and I know many other students thru your years of service. You truly had a servants heart, but your heart is now in heaven with Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sincerely,
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Funeral services provided by:
Greenwood Memorial Park Funeral Home350 Monroe Ave Ne, Renton, WA 98056
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more