Lawrence 'Larry' Richard Smith, 89

Lawrence “Larry” Richard Smith passed away peacefully at his home April 5, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by the love of his family, friends, and community.

Larry was born Dec. 20, 1936, to Marian and Lawrence Smith at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, Calif. He was raised in Santa Ana, Calif., where he attended Mater Dei High School and later Santa Ana College. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sandra Ricker. They declared their love and commitment to each other in marriage in 1956 and began their beautiful life together, grounded in faith, family and dedication. Their love created five beautiful children: Shambra, Nannette, Steve, Burt and Doug.

Larry and Sandy shared their adventurous and creative spirits, along with their love of the outdoors, with their children. After visiting Sandpoint with their children and friends many times, they realized they had found their true home, and in 1973, Larry and Sandy, with their five young children, moved to Sandpoint, Idaho. It was here they planted their roots and built their home at the mouth of Rapid Lightning Creek along the Pack River. 

Larry was the epitome of hard work and striving for excellence in everything he did. He established himself as a master craftsman, founding and operating a successful construction company for over 40 years, during which he built homes for numerous members of the greater Sandpoint community. Larry was not only incredibly talented as a builder and woodworker but also an artist and photographer, creating beauty with his hands and sharing his talents with his children and others, inspiring and mentoring creativity in everyone around him.

In addition to his family, interests, talents, hobbies and work, he was also a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. Deeply committed to his community, he coached Little League baseball, helped establish youth soccer in Sandpoint and served as a referee throughout the U.S. and Canada until the age of 75. 

Though incredibly talented and successful as an entrepreneur, builder and community member, Larry measured his life not by his many accomplishments, but by the relationships he built — with all his family, friends, church and community. He consistently showed his love through his actions, modeling what it means to live a life of purpose, defined by commitment to God, family, integrity, humility and quiet strength. His legacy of love, faith, craftsmanship, creativity and service will live on through his children and all who knew and loved him.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sandy, and their children: Shambra Palmer, Nannette (Terry) Porath, Steve Smith, Burt (Lisa) Smith, and Doug (Leslie) Smith. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Larry’s life was one well-lived, his legacy deeply cherished and his love will continue to inspire all who carry his memory forward. A funeral service will be held April 14, 2026, at 11 a.m., Rosary at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, followed by a celebration of life. In place of flowers, the family would love for you to honor Larry’s life through an act of service or monetary donation to a Sandpoint youth or other community organization to continue the legacy he so faithfully lived.

Family and friends are invited to sign Larry’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.