Herbert A. Smith

Posted - 12/09/03

Herbert A. Smith, age 62, of Helena, died peacefully at home on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 6, 2003. He courageously struggled with Lou Gehrig's disease over a year and a half; he never lost his sense of humor and kept his faith. Herb never complained and gave life to all those around him to the end.

Herb was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Feb. 25, 1941, the son of Herbert and Mitzi Smith. After attending school on a football scholarship at Texas A&M, Herb joined the Air Force and had a tour of duty in Germany.

His working career began with Southern Bell in Dallas. Herb moved to Montana with his first wife, Kathy, and daughter Robin in 1973. They later divorced. He continued working for Mountain Bell in Missoula for 10 years. Herb married Patty Groven in 1983 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Herb and Patty and their daughters, Tanya and Robin, moved to Helena in 1985 where Herb finished his career of over 30 years with U.S. West (formerly Mountain Bell).

Herb was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by sisters, Nancy Smith and Susan Barry; brother Ladd Smith; and several nieces and nephews. Survivors also include wife, Patty; daughters Robin Garland and husband Shawn and Tanya Fritz and husband Josh; granddaughter, Josie Fritz and grandchild Garland expected in April.

A Master Mason and Past Master of the Missoula Lodge #13, he loved his brothers in the lodge and supported many charities. His passions were golf, watching sports, especially football, big-game hunting, boating, ice fishing and fly fishing. Herb loved playing pool with family and friends. Herb also enjoyed the occasional float down the Missouri River. But most of his friends remember his remarkable joke-telling prowess and his charisma- felt in any room he entered.

Herb loved people and made time for everybody. In retirement, he particularly appreciated the students and enjoyed bussing them to school and sports activities. He loved his Yorkshire Terriers, Jessie and Jazzie.

Although his 62 years among us were far too short, he never failed to live life to its fullest. The special love of his life was wife Patty, a wonderful and compassionate partner. Daughter Robin was the apple of his eye and he heartily enjoyed the rest of his family. Friends were very important to Herb, and he treasured all the special moments they shared.

The family would like to thank the wonderful support and caring they received from friends, St. Peter's Hospice nurses and volunteers, the doctors who cared for him, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2070 Overland Ave. #101, Billings, MT or to the Hospice of St. Peter's, 2475 Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601.

Viewing will be from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Retz Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m at the St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Thursday, Dec. 11, with interment at 1:30 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Helena. Retz Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.