Lawrence 'Larry' Jasper Smith

Lawrence Jasper Smith "Larry", 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Boise, Idaho on Sunday, July 18th, 2021. After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, with his loving wife of 50 years by his side.

Larry was born on June 30th, 1942, in Longview, Washington. He was the oldest of four children born to Jasper and Genevieve (Grant) Smith. His favourite childhood memories were growing up on his Grandparents dairy farm milking cows, going to the farm auctions with his grandpa, and accidentally burning down the haystack.

February 6th, 1971 in Boise, Idaho he married the love of his life, DeLoris Monson.

He attended Palomar College near San Diego, California. He was on the Archery team and won the NCAA championships. In 1972 unfortunately Larry missed the Olympic try-outs in Archery due to an injury of his release finger while playing church softball, against the advice of his wife. He had won more competitions than his teammates and his teammates went on to win Gold medals in the Olympics. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and Korea and served in the Navy for 21 years and was awarded five Good Conduct Medals.  He was a Chief Petty Officer E7.  He was patriotic to the core and passionately loved his country and was deeply honoured to serve. Larry was a talented entrepreneur all his life with many businesses including Dairy Farmer, Newspaper owner, Coupon Book owner, Engraving business, GE Engineer, Digital Equipment Manager, Founders Mortgage owner, FX Trading business, Real Estate Appraiser, Ice Cream Truck Owner.  Driving an Ice Cream Truck was his favourite business because everyone was always happy to see him. His grandchildren loved it when he came around to give them free ice cream. They were the coolest kids in the neighbourhood.

He faithfully served in several callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after becoming a member of the church in 1971. These callings shaped and defined him, including High Priest Group Leader, Second Counselor in the Bishopric, Teacher, Ward Clerk and Stake Indexing Specialist. He was instrumental in assisting the Genealogy Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with a computer program to greatly expand the genealogical charts back many generations. 

He really enjoyed restoring antique cars and involving his children in the restoration process while teaching them value of hard work.  His hobbies included golfing, hunting, fishing, bowling, and several home projects.  His favourite place to fish was on the Clearwater River for steelhead.  These fishing trips were special moments that will forever be remembered by his sons and friends.

Above all these amazing accomplishments in his life, he was first and foremost a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He was the rock of our family, always there to protect and help in any way he could.  Family was the most important part of his life, attending almost every extracurricular event of his children and grandchildren.  His signature yell could trump all cheering from the stands.

He will be remembered for his ability to make friends everywhere he went.  His magnetic personality greatly uplifted those in need. His firm enduring testimony of Jesus Christ was an example to all around him.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his adoring and eternal wife and long-time sweetheart, DoLoris J Monson Smith and his eight children, Carolyn Koff (Bobby), Ginny Sam (Luke), Rick Smith (Corrine), Gregory Smith (Kristin), Angela Hennessy (John), Michelle Perry (Jared), Lori Mendez, Joshua Smith (Ginger), his 24 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren with one on the way, and 1 great great grandchild, his  sister Lynda Snider and his brother Eldon Smith (Jannette).

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Jasper and Genevieve Smith, his brother Stanley Smith, his brother-in-law Earl Snider, his sister-in-law Vicky Smith and son-in-law Luke Sam.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Larry's life at a viewing from 6-8pm on Thursday July 22nd at Relyea Funeral Chapel, 318 N. Latah St. Boise, Idaho 83706. Funeral services will be held on July 23rd at 11:30am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2299 N. Five Mile Rd. Boise, Idaho 83713. Interment in the Morris Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute donation to The Wounded Warrior Project.