HAMILTON -

Gordon Russell Smith, 81, passed away Friday October 15, 2021 at Providence St.  Patrick Hospital following a stroke on the same day. He was born May 12, 1939, in Great Falls, MT, the son of the late Adolf and Mary (Zelstra)Smith.

Gordon grew up in Kalispell, Mt. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1957. He grew up a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He enjoyed participating in church events and activities. He met his future wife at a church dance when he was thirteen years old.

In January of 1958 he eloped with his wife Afton Elaine Orr. They were married in Cour d’ Alene, Id. They later were sealed in the Carsten, Alberta temple.

Gordon was a logger, a trucker, entrepreneur. He loved to try new things and start new businesses. Gordon and family moved around a lot. He lived in Montana, Washington, Oregon and Utah. In his later years they went back to his home state of Montana.

He was a master woodworker and his family benefitted from his talents. He made many beautiful things. He made hope chests, doll houses, toy guns, cars, cradles and so much more.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints he volunteered a lot of his time. He was very active in their boy scouts program. He was a scoutmaster for many years.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Daniel James and Douglas Richard, and brother Jerry.  He is survived by his wife Afton Orr Smith. His son David Smith Pleasant Grove, UT, daughter Elaine Davis (Dallas) of Monticello, UT, and daughter Vickie Neering (Stephen) of Syracuse, UT, his brother Reed Smith, sister Barbara Schultz. He has many grandchildren who love him and will miss him terribly.

There will be an informal service Saturday October 23, 2021 at 1:00pm. It will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building located at 401 N. 8th St. Hamilton, MT 59840.