Edward Smith

Edward Steven Smith entered this world on October 23, 1945, and departed at peace and greatly loved surrounded by his family at home on December 12, 2024. 

He was born in Brunswick, Georgia, while his father served during World War II. The family returned to Idaho when the war ended and Eddie spent his youth camping, fishing, and hunting its remote corners with his beloved dog Ralph in his red Willies jeep. He also worked in his family’s restaurant, The Rogerson, in downtown Twin Falls, peeling potatoes for 25 cents an hour. 

He played football and wrestled for Twin Falls High School (1964) and attended the University of Idaho (1968) where he was a member of Phi Delta fraternity and Army ROTC. While there, he wrote to then Senator Frank Church in support of the Civil Rights movement and received a personal reply. During the summers, he worked construction in Ketchum, learning skills he would later put to use when he built his own house. In 1973, he earned an MBA from Georgia Southern College.

After graduating from the U of I, he attended Army flight school at Fort Walters, Texas, where he was first in his class. He deployed to Vietnam on April 1, 1970, with A Company 228 Aviation Support Battalion (Bearcat Base in Long Thanh) where he flew CH-47s (Chinooks) and OH-6s (bubble helicopters). Following his deployment, he stayed in the Army and was subsequently stationed in Georgia, Japan, Virginia, Alabama, Germany, New Mexico, and Hawaii before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel and returning to Idaho in January 1993, fulfilling a long-held wish.

While in Vietnam, he met his wife Phuong, the one and only love of his life. They married in 1971 and celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on July 25. Ed was respected and loved by his extended Vietnamese family, including his many nieces and nephews.

A steady man with simple tastes, Eddie lived his best life in retirement. He and Phuong worked side-by-side for many years to build their dream home from the ground up. Much of the furniture and all the cabinetry inside were carpentered by him. His hand-made chess set was a favorite field of competition for the family. He tied flies – the Smith Special – and enjoyed fly-fishing the Payette at his Lowman cabin. He fought to protect Idaho’s air and water from confined animal feeding operations and was a member of the Idaho Rural Council. His favorite way to start a winter day was at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and that week’s issue of The Economist. On summer mornings, he would sit on the deck, listening to the water rushing through Cedar Draw. The coos of rock doves and hoots of Great Horned Owls were his favorite soundtrack as he worked outside while NPR’s Car Talk and Fresh Air kept him company in his wood shop. His days were spent thinking of new projects, tinkering with the many contraptions he fashioned to keep the home and acreage running, and watching his trees grow. 

Normally quiet, Eddie had a booming laugh when truly tickled. His favorite phrases were “theoretically” when working on a problem, “just like downtown” when he figured it out, and “c’mon Edward!” when frustrated. The worst he would say about anyone was that they were a “character.”

He was known for his scrupulous honesty, kind and gentle nature, tremendous work ethic, and frugality. He was guided by a strong, personal moral code and Jesus’ direction to treat others as one would like to be treated. Open-minded and curious, patient and humble, meticulous and thorough, good-natured and a good sport, he gave everyone the benefit of the doubt and always put others before himself. His only vice was Peanut M&Ms. 

Stoic to the end, Eddie chose quality of life over longevity. As he would say, “None of us get out of this alive.” 

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Phuong (Pham); son Hank (Leigh) Smith of Clarksville, Tennessee, and grandchildren Conrad, Olivia, and Abigail; daughter Shelley (Jed) Gregory of Alta, Wyoming, and grandchild Evelyn; daughter Helen (Ian) LaSpina of Crozet, Virginia, and grandchildren Eowyn and Melian; and sister Monie Smith of Port Angeles, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward (Ted) and Jennie (Coppock) Smith, and sister Holly Smith.

Eddie was an inspiration as a spouse, parent, and human being. While his time was too short, we were privileged to know him while he was here and will miss him terribly. 

A funeral mass celebrating this man of deep and abiding faith will be held at St. Edwards Catholic Church, which Edward attended for almost 32 years with Phuong.

A Rosary will be held at St. Edward's Catholic Church, 161 6th Avenue East, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301, on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM, with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow services at the St. Edward's Parish Hall.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family in the "Guestbook" section below.