RYAN DUANE SMITH

Ryan Duane Smith was born on January 30, 1979, in Davenport, WA, to Neal D. and Donna Jo Smith.  He entered into heaven at his home in Gifford, WA, on October 5, 2023, due to complications of lyme disease.  Ryan attended Columbia School in Hunters, WA, graduating in 1997.  He then received his B.S. in Computer Science / Math in 2001 from Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, OR.  Ryan enjoyed all sports and played football, basketball and baseball.  He was especially happy to get to play college football for EOU.

Ryan loved helping others and especially enjoyed farming with Bud and Donna Sampson through his junior high and high school years.  After high school, Ryan began a 22-year career with the WA State Department of Natural Resources.  He served as a wildland firefighter, incident commander, strike team leader, and wildfire investigator.  He became a nationally certified FEMA trainer and taught many classes throughout the Pacific Northwest.  Ryan also worked as a forester until he became unable to walk.

Ryan was a longtime member of the Stevens County Fire District #2 and served as a First Responder. He was proud to have been a firefighter/first responder for 25 years.  He became an FAA licensed drone pilot and assisted with incident searches.  Ryan was also a member of the Rocky Mounty Elks Foundation. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed searching for antler sheds.

Ryan loved family and friends and had many amazing talents, including the gifts of humor and hospitality.  He was especially known for his ability to make people feel special.

Ryan is survived by his parents, Neal and Donna Jo Smith of Gifford; uncles Lynn Smith and Steve Richardson of Spokane, Jon MacMillan (Deb) of Fruitland, Butch (Shirley) MacMillan of Chewelah; numerous cousins, including special cousin Bobbi (Beau) Ward of Hunters, and their children Bud, Jacki, Mac and Mamie; and best friend Paul (Rhonda) Elliott of Hunters.

A family gathering to celebrate Ryan's life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stevens County Fire District #2, at PO Box 86, Hunters, WA 99137.