Obituary; Roy W. "Cougar Bill" Smith, Sr.

In loving memory

Roy W. “Cougar Bill” Smith, Sr.

Born Sept. 22, 1929 in Missoula, MT to Clyde and Edna Smith. Died April 3, 2015 at Mineral Community Hosp. at the age of 85. Has one surviving sibling, Mary Jo Gould, Superior.

Preceding him in death were parents, sister Ruby Weaver, Nichols, brothers David and Leonard Smith, first wife, Vera Wachtell, current wife, Virginia and stepdaughter Linda Gieger.

Married Vera Grace Simkins, 1953. Children Roy Smith, Jr., (Patty), Helena, MT, Susan Bohag (Brian) Seattle, WA, Mary Jane Johnson (Joe), Plains, MT, Barbara Williams, Helena, MT., Dennis Smith, Billings, MT., and Brenda Auge (Cliff) Libby, Mt., producing a total of 31 grandchildren.

Divorced in 1975, Roy remarried to Virginia Hagman, Dec. 1976 and the family grew once more to include stepchildren, Lonna Hayes (Tim), Linda Gieger, John Hagman (Tina), Kathleen Van Fossen (Drew), and Billie Jean Hagman., plus 30 more grandchildren to date. And many more nieces and nephews.

Dad spent his first years of marriage on Smith Ranch, in St. Regis, MT., raising six children and trying his hand at farming.

Afterwards, worked in logging and later spending many afternoons at Durango’s reliving his experiences.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m. at the Superior High School.

Any donations can be made to the Women in Timber organization.