Quentin Edward Smith

Quentin Smith, born November 17, 1926 in Salem, Oregon, died December 20, 2022, aged 96 and 33 days, in Sherwood, Oregon. He was the youngest of five children to Norma Wechter Smith and Elmer Ellsworth Smith. Quentin was predeceased by both parents, his brother Elmer Elsworth Jr., sisters Norma and Carole, and his twin sister, Beatrice. He is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Jean Ritter Smith, and two children, Celia Smith Walker, and Michael Smith. His family legacy also includes two grandsons, two granddaughters, and seven great-grandchildren. Following the family’s naval tradition, Quentin enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17, and served from 1944-1946 in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He was a Motor Machinist 3rd Class on a landing craft support vessel (LCS 60), and participated in a number of significant landing battles, including the Battle of Borneo, as well as mine sweeping duties. Although his military experience eventually caused him to completely lose his hearing, he remained an extremely proud U.S. veteran, and was thrilled to be able to participate in a Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Quentin’s career as a salmon hatchery manager with the Oregon State Fish Commission (now Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) spanned from 1949 to 1990. During that time he served on Big Creek, Oakridge (twice), the Metolius in Camp Sherman (twice), Foley Creek, Fall Creek, Alsea, and Klaskanine hatcheries. At the time he was promoted to hatchery manager, he was the youngest hatcheryman ever to achieve that position. Quentin was an excellent teacher and mentor, and took great pride in the fact that more of his hatchery foremen made manager than those of any other manager on record to date. In the earliest years, Quentin worked two jobs, first at the hatchery and evenings at a local gas station. Later he drove ambulance, then in Central Oregon drove the snow plow and cut and sold firewood. Also in those early years he played baseball with a local city team in Oakridge, usually at third base, and batted over .300. Following retirement, Quentin and Jean traveled widely around the Pacific Northwest and across the country, first in a VW van retrofitted with a bed, and then with a variety of small fifth-wheels. They visited distant friends and family, attended ship’s reunions, and took several cruises to Alaska. One of his great joys was spending time in his wood shop, turning incredibly beautiful bowls on a wood lathe, and producing cutting boards and wooden spatulas. Jean was kept busy selling his creations at craft fairs, but many are the family members and friends who are delighted owners of gifted beautiful woodwork created by Quentin. Quentin was also proud to be a life member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. Quentin was known for being outgoing, friendly, and generous, for telling corny jokes, and for his love of getting together with his buddies for weekly “high stakes” nickel, dime, and quarter poker games. Arrangements by Attrell’s Funeral Chapel, Newberg, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to a charity of choice.

Quentin Edward Smith

November 17, 1926 - December 20, 2022