Walter Wayne Smith died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, September 29, 2012. He was born in Fresno, CA April 19, 1929 to Helen Marie VanEmmon Smith and Wayne Charles Smith. He grew up in Fresno and worked as a diesel mechanic from the time he was young and worked in his fathers truck repair garage. Walt served in the U.S. Army in Korea and was a proud patriot. He was a long-time resident of Del Norte where he worked in his profession for many years and then retired.
Walt was a jack of all trades and could fix anything he laid his hands on. He reached out to help those in need and when his children were small he was often seen with a car full of neighborhood children on route to Sunday School. Walt was a hard worker and was tirelessly devoted to his family. He will be remembered for his easy-going laugh and friendly nature. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Walt is survived by his brother Ted and his family; daughter Carola Ponterio, her husband Richard and their children Kristopher, Kathryn Kent, Kyle and Kimberly who have six children of their own; his son Kendal & wife Cindy and their children Kasey and Haley and her child; Konnie and her children, Gibson and Kaeden Korrie.
Interment has taken place at the Del Norte County Veterans Cemetery.