Dwight Raymond Smith

Dwight Raymond Smith died peacefully, surrounded by family, the evening of September 30, 2011 in Ft. Collins. He was born to Andrew Leonard Smith and Effie Simons Smith in Sanders, Idaho on July 28, 1921. His education took place in a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade. At age 9, Dwight was diagnosed with tuberculosis, after having had polio. The prescription was fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and olive oil rub-downs. After 3 summers of living in tents in the mountains, where his dad worked as a lumberjack and his mom cooked for the crews, he was free of TB. His family moved to St. Maries so he could attend high school. After graduating at age 16, he worked a year ranching and driving a team of horses. He studied agriculture and forestry at the University of Idaho before working in Alaska at an army base. Soon he enlisted, which later landed him in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and other major campaigns, earning the bronze star. During his service in the infantry, he met Carol Breclaw at a dance in Oregon and proposed to her 3 days later. She said no. He transferred to Kansas, continued to court her, and married her in Kentucky in 1944. Born in Czekaj, Poland, Carol moved to America with her family when she was 2. She and Dwight were next at a Brooklyn Army base where one day he was put on a ship to Wales without a chance to say goodbye. He did not see his bride for over a year. Moscow, ID became home briefly while Dwight completed his BS and MS in wildlife management. His study of bighorn sheep involved 50-mile snowshoe treks and living in isolated cabins. He began his teaching and research career with CSU in wildlife and ecology in 1956. In 1971 he earned his PhD through the University of Utah. There were now 4 children, but two sons eldest: Alan and youngest: Mark later died as teenagers in separate car accidents. His wife of 39 years passed away in 1983. The losses brought devastation, then resolve, as Dwight planned an epic healing journey: a 14, 000 solo bike trip around the perimeter of the U.S. From this he later wrote One Mile at a Time: Cycling through Loss to Renewal. It was his second published book; the first, Above Timberline, describes 6 months of research and life! at 11, 000 feet near Buena Vista. Dwight completed the El Tour de Tucson 100 mile bike race many times, and several Ride the Rockies Tours. One "El Tour" was dedicated to him as the oldest rider of the perimeter of the U.S. Despite severe arthritis, he persisted in long-distance riding into his eighties, and rode in all 50 states. At age 64, Dwight earned his pilot's license; flying became a passion. He flew in 26 states and 4 provinces, and as far as Alaska. To Dwight, flying in the serene blue sky was as close to heaven as one could get. In 1994 Dwight had the good fortune to meet Yvonne Keefe of Denver, with whom he gratefully spent his remaining years. She has been his bike companion, best friend, supporter, book promoter, relentless advocate, and love. Dwight is listed in Who's Who in America and Contemporary Authors, and is a member of Explorers Club and numerous other wildlife, wilderness, and honorary societies. He was dedicated to wise management of natural resources and contributed some 25 articles and reviews to scientific journals. But more than his accomplishments, Dwight will be remembered for his individualism, passion, hard work, dedication to his students, strength of character, eloquence, love of family and all close to him, and wonderful sense of humor. Dwight leaves behind his beloved Yvonne of Ft. Collins; son, Gary Kati of AZ; daughter, Sharon Dequine of Aspen, grandson, Dusty Dequine of Carbondale; granddaughter, Kari Spencer Harden of New Orleans; and numerous other family and friends. Many are feeling a deep loss now, yet gently hold sweet and special memories. A Catholic Mass of Joyful Resurrection will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Blessed John XXIII University Center 1 block west of Shields on University Ave.. Viewing is at 9:00 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow the service, and all are invited. Contributions can be made to Pathway Hospice or Perimeter Bicycling Association of America PBAA in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 or to a charity of your choice.