Gordon Arvin Smith

FIELDING-Gordon Arvin Smith, 87 passed away November 13, 2009 at Bear River Valley Care Center in Tremonton of complications due to Alzheimer's. He was born September 16, 1922 in Fielding, Utah to Franklin Arvin and Mildred Jensen Smith. He attended school in Fielding and Tremonton and graduated from Bear River High in 1940. He joined the U.S. Army in 1945 during World War II and was stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas, Camp Beal in California, and finally Fort Douglas as a Military Police. He married Doris Forsberg on November 17, 1950 in the Logan LDS Temple. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2000. Doris passed away October 14, 2001.
He raised turkeys in Fielding while living in a school bus that he converted into what was to be one of the first motor homes invented. He worked for Marquardt for 5 ½ years and then spent the rest of his career working for Thiokol as a quality engineer retiring in June of 1986. He was an intelligent, talented man who could fix, build or invent anything. He could turn junk into a working machine. Hector, the tractor was proof of that.
Gordon was a self-taught musician, playing the steel guitar for over 50 years until the time of his death. He has played in several bands but most of the time was spent with the Westernairs entertaining all over Northern Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. The band had a large following that enjoyed their music no matter where they played. The joys of his life included spending time with his family, camping, and fishing. He especially enjoyed summers at their cabin in Idaho and fishing at Island Park. Gordon was a loving husband, father, a special grandfather, and great-grandfather. He always cherished time with his family whether it was picnicking in the pine trees or just enjoying family get togethers.
Gordon is survived by his children, Gordon Claine Cheri Smith, Diana Norm Coleman, Jana Lynn Blake Southwick, Laura Rob Nutt all of Fielding. Marlan Denise Smith, Marla Jeff Rawlings of North Ogden. 25 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; his siblings LaJuana Pulver, Iva Lou Dick Kuisel, Marva Harper, Terry Judy Smith, Sherry Larry Harris, and Lanny Barbara Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and Brothers-in-law Charles Pulver and Blaine Harper.
Funeral services will be held on Gordon and Doris's Anniversary, Tuesday, November 17, 11:00 a.m. at the Fielding LDS Stake Center, 4375 West 15600 North. Friends may call Monday, November 16, from 6-8 p.m. at Rogers & Taylor Funeral Home, 111 North 100 East, Tremonton and Tuesday, November 17, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Fielding Cemetery where Military Honors will be accorded. Our special thanks go to Cache Valley Assisted Living, Bear River Valley Care Center, Hospice, Alpine Health Care for their kindness, care, and compassion.