Kedric F. Smith

b. 16 May 1922, d. 7 December 2009
  • Kedric F. Smith was born on 16 May 1922 in Salida, Chaffee County, Colorado.
  • He was known as Rick.
  • William J. Haus and Martha Y. (?) appeared in the US federal census of 1 April 1930 in Kortz, Chaffee County, Colorado. Other members of the household included Kedric F. Smith, Dorian O. Haus, Walter J. Smith, Kent Larimer Smith and Shayle Webster Smith. Walter Smith is also enumerated with his mother in Long Beach, California, apparently having gone there to find work.
  • Kedric F. Smith died on 7 December 2009 at age 87 in Salida, Chaffee County, Colorado, at Columbine Manor Care Center.
  • The following appeared on 10 December 2009 in The Mountain Mail: Kedric F. (Rick) Smith, 87 of Salida, died Dec. 7, 2009, at Columbine Manor Care Center in Salida.
         He was born May 16, 1922, in Salida to Walter J. and Dorian O. (Haus) Smith. He attended schools in Salida, graduating from Salida High School in 1940, and attended Colorado College.
         Mr. Smith married his high school sweetheart, Dorene Jones, July 13, 1942. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
         After working for the D&RG Railroad for several years, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement.
         He was a member of Salida Elks Lodge No. 808 and the American Legion.
         Mr. Smith was a fourth-generation Salida area resident. He loved the beauty and wildlife of the area and imparted to his children an appreciation of nature and need for protecting the environment.
         He enjoyed traveling, fishing, and driving in the mountains with his wife.
         Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kent L. Swift; brother, Shayle W. Smith; and son-in-law, John Ophus.
         Survivors include his wife; children, Gail Ophus of Salida, Kirk Smith of Arvada, Brian (Mary West-Smith) Smith of Boulder and Laurie (Peter) Bialick of Boulder; grandchildren, Debra Ophus (Dan Brown), Cristal Martinez (Ric Lantz), Eric Smith, Jaren Smith (Patrick Farrell), Jenna Smith, and Kristin, Jason, and Ethan Bialick; three great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Joan Smith, Jessie (Wayne, deceased), Madison, Ruth (Erv) Gentile, Roberta (Fred, deceased) Markillie, and Sharon (Kermit) Gause; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
         As Mr. Smith wished, no services will be held.
         Memorial contributions may be made to Salida Regional Library or Ark-Valley Humane Society through Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home, 203 E. Sackett Ave., Salida, CO 81201.
  • Last Edited: 27 Jan 2011