Douglas Smith, 85

Douglas C. Smith, passed away on January 16, 2024, at Prestige Memory Care in Kalispell, Montana. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor to many. 

Douglas was born on February 4, 1938 in Tacoma, WA. Doug was born to William A. Smith and Hope (Kohler) Smith.

Doug grew up in Tacoma, with his grandparents during WWII as his parents were helping support our troops. Doug’s father was in the merchant marines and his mother was a Rosie the Riveter. 

Doug enjoyed doing the farm chores as a kid and loved all of the animals on the farm. At the age of 6, his family moved to Columbia Falls, Mt. Doug enjoyed hunting and fishing around the Columbia Falls area. Doug bagged a bear on Columbia Mountain when he was 12 years old. He was very proud of the hunt and made sure everyone knew of the experience.

 Doug enjoyed participating in sports during high school.  Always eager to compete on the Wildcat football team, Doug went out for football as a freshman. When the gear was handed out to the players, it must have been a sight for all to see. The pants hung down to his ankles, and the helmet spun around on his head. The coach suggested that Doug should help the team as a water boy.

Doug was an accomplished distance runner in high school, as well as running for Harry Adams at the University of Montana.

Doug met his wife Billie Fairchild from Kalispell MT. They shared 59 years until her passing on Feb. 28, 2015. 

On July 16, 2017, Doug married Darlene Weed Dobrocke, and they shared very happy times before his illnesses developed.  

Doug had a very colorful career in his life. He moved his family to Denver, Co where in 1956 he enrolled at the FAA school for A&P mechanics. He worked for United Airlines from 1956-1965 while studying Pre Med at the University of Colorado. In 1965 he and his family moved to Portland OR, where Doug attended the University of Oregon Health Science UOHS.

In 1969, Doug graduated with a Doctor of Medical Dentistry DMD, and went on to do his internship at Denver General Hospital in 1970. After completion he moved his family to Bigfork, Montana. Dr. Smith had his private dental practice from 1970- 1981.  

Always wanting to learn more, Doug wanted to further his education in the Field of Anesthesia.  So from 1981-1983, Doug attended the Medical Anesthesia residency at Boston City Hospital.  Doug then returned to Bigfork where he set up part time dental practice and anesthesia.

1981- 1983 Doug attended the Medical Anesthesia residency at Boston City Hospital. 1983 Doug returned to Bigfork he set up part time dental practice and anesthesia. 

Dr. Smith saw a need for emergency response in the Bigfork area. In 1975 Doug and the Bigfork Fire Department started the Bigfork Quick Response Unit. Doug taught the first Paramedic class in the Flathead Valley. After 46 years of practice Doug retired in 2016.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents William and Hope Smith; brother, Wallace Smith and his wife Billie Smith. 

Doug is survived by his wife Darlene (Weed), his daughter, Debra Sward, his two sons Craig (Tracy), Vernon (Patti); and stepson, Jeff Eickert.

He is also survived by many grandchildren; Merisa (Pat Murray) Brandon Benkelman, Brent (Valarie) Benkelman; Cara Smith, Cas Smith, Colin Smith, Ryan (Becca) Smith, Cory Smith, Trisha (Walker) Quiram, Laurell (Matt) Hartle, Brook (Ashley) Sward.  

Doug has numerous great-grandchildren; Tanyon, Torren Murray, Dacia, Blake Benkelman, Kaven, Kamden Benkelman, Shayla Smith and Sierra Day; Emberly Smith, Kylin and Wade Smith; Olivia and Sawyer Quiram, Oliver and Annie Hartle, Abbie McClatchey.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Bigfork Fire and Ambulance, 810 Grand Dr., Bigfork.

Friends are encouraged to visit the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family.  

A Celebration of Life for Doug will be held on his birth date, Feb 4 at 1pm in the Bigfork High School gym. Doug would have been 86 on this day. Please join us.