Harvey Smith, 71

Harvey Leroy Smith, 71, passed away at his home in Hayden, Idaho, on April 5, 2017. Harvey was born May 16, 1945, in Spokane, Wash., to Francis Joseph Smith and Mildred Eleanor (Johnson) Smith. He was the second oldest of four children. Harvey came to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, as an infant and grew up on his parent’s dairy farm on Sunnyside Road in Coeur d’Alene.

Harvey graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1963 where he lettered in track in his junior and senior years. After high school, he worked at the Dearmon Mill for a short time in Coeur d’Alene and then went to work at Boeing in Seattle for five years. He was then called home to help his mom on the farm because his father died in a tragic accident.

After things settled down on the farm, Harvey wanted to go to college, so he enrolled at Eastern University in Cheney, Wash. He earned his degree in elementary education. His first teaching assignment was in Yakima, Wash., which lasted six years before he became homesick for the trees back in Coeur d’Alene. He then got a job teaching at Ramsey Elementary School in Coeur d’Alene where he taught fifth- and sixth-graders. Harvey had a passion for teaching and helped the students set up and run the RBC (Ramsey Broadcasting Company). The students did skits, played music, interviewed celebrities like the Eagles and did news broadcasts. They got to run their shows on public television. Harvey taught school for 35 years.

Harvey loved all sorts of music but was especially fond of Rock and Roll. He always wanted to be a disc jockey, so after he retired, he played at weddings and birthday parties. He had an incredible music collection.

Harvey also dabbled in real estate, earned a certificate from North Idaho College in skeet and trap, and he volunteered at the Elks Lodge for many years refereeing the youth one-on-one basketball tournaments.

Harvey is survived by his wife, Lorraine Marie (Peterson) Smith of 32 years; his stepdaughter, Kristin Marie Peterson (Doug Comeford); three step grandchildren, Tyler Peterson (Rebecca), Trever Brown (Aubrey) and Conner Brown; two step great-grandchildren, Kyler Brown and Elise Peterson; a brother, Doug Smith (Linda); a sister, Cheri Smith; three nieces and five nephews. Harvey was preceded in death by his sister, Carol and his parents.

Harvey had many close friends and I would like to thank them for taking the time to stay in touch with Harvey through the years and helping Harvey through his really tough times, especially these last few years. Thank you so much — it meant a lot to him. And a special thank you to Hospice of North Idaho. They are an incredible bunch of loving caring people, and thank you to Dr. McLaughlin who went above and beyond to help Harvey. He is truly an incredible doctor.

We would like memorial contributions to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel. A reception will follow at the Hayden Eagles Lodge, 1520 W. Wyoming, Hayden. Please visit Harvey’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.