Derald Smick

Derald Smick, 89, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2018 in Richland, WA after a short battle with cancer.  He was born on June 25, 1929 in Colfax, WA, the middle child of three to Dan and Leona Smick.  Derald grew up on the family farm in Lancaster, just outside of St. John, WA.  He graduated from St. John High School in 1947 being a three sport letterman and student body president.  He attended Walla Walla College and Whitworth before being drafted during the Korean War.  Derald served in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1956. He was assigned in 1955 and 1956 to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. and was a participant in the Operation Whitecoat Program.

 In 1954 Derald met his future wife, Pat Madigan on a blind date. They married in Bellevue, WA on June 13, 1956. In 1960 Derald and Pat made their home in Ephrata, WA where they raised their family of four children and Derald farmed wheat, hay and raised cattle for over 30 years. He also was a part-time crop insurance adjuster for the USDA which he enjoyed until his retirement in 1996. He and Pat kept busy traveling, entertaining, and visiting with family and friends during their retirement years until her passing in 2001. They were married for 45 years. Derald soon after moved to Richland, WA to be closer to family.

Derald had a lifelong passion with sports playing during his school years, high school basketball refereeing, coaching his children in baseball, bowling league member and attending sporting events of his family through their high school and college years. He followed the Dodgers, Mariners, and Seahawks and was a WSU Cougar Club member and football season ticket holder for many years.

Derald had a kind, generous heart and smile. He was a wonderful husband, father and man that was much loved and will be dearly missed. The family is comforted to know that Dad is now reunited with Mom. He leaves behind his four children, Peggy and Peter Turping of Richland, WA, Teresa and Ron Gardner of San Diego, CA, Michael Smick of Richland, WA and Patrick Smick of Spokane, WA, along with four step grandchildren, one great step grandchild and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and sister, Mavis Hinthorne and his brother, Lorrell Smick.  A family graveside service for Derald will be held next spring in Ephrata, WA. The family would like to thank Richland Rehab for their excellent care and support for Derald in his final days.