Harley Smith

Harley Edwin Smith 95 of Dillon, passed peacefully at home, on May 11 2022 with his daughter by his side. Harley was born July 31, 1926, in Absorkee MT, to Jack and Margaret (Shafer) Smith. He spent his early years helping on the family’s sheep and cattle ranch; and working in the family’s store, Smith Grocery. He also kept busy trapping, selling hides and taking care of his numerous bee boxes. Harley worked the Mouat Mine which was close to their home. He jumped many trains and rode them all over the country finding work wherever he could. At 18, he joined the Navy. He attended boot camp in West Virginia and was then stationed in San Francisco. After the service, he returned home then went to Billings where he worked different jobs. Harley went to work at the mines in Butte. It was there he met the love of his life, Helen Johnson. They were soon married and had two daughters, Kathy Smith Skipper and Terri Smith McIntosh. When the mines started closing Harley moved his family to Billings, where he roofed and built until he was hired on at Elk River Concrete. Harley and his family moved back to Butte in 1969, where he worked at the Berkley Pit until he retired. Always a busy body, retirement didn’t last long, Harley started building houses. He built 5 houses on Aspen Lane in Butte. In the late 1980’s, Harley and Helen moved to Dillon, where he spent his time tinkering in the garage, taking “Joy Rides” around town and up into the hills, and spoiling his grandkids. His family was everything to him. His life was full of so much happiness when he was with family. He loved playing with his grandkids, great grandkids, and great-great grandkids. Harley loved hunting, fishing, hauling wood, working on trucks and running the hills above Argenta on his ATV. He loved motorcycles, helping whoever needed it, and going to Argenta for Sunday barbeques. He always shared a bit of his breakfast with the magpies and enjoyed watching the birds from the deck. He loved having company, western music and in his later years could often be found sitting under the tree in the yard munching on one of Helens Chocolate chip cookies. Harley was a patient, loving man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Harley will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Harley was preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years Helen Smith, parents Jack and Margaret Smith, daughter Kathy Smith Skipper, sisters, Vi Smith Junkert, Winnie Smith Dickey, Vesta Smith and Edith Smith, brothers, Lee, Alfred, Van, Dee, Robert Smith and half-brother Cliff Smith Harley is survived by his daughter Terri Smith McIntosh (Tony) brother Dale Smith, sisters Hazel Smith Junkert, and Regina Smith Stewart, son in law Dan Skipper, Grandsons Jason (Michele) Smith, Shevee McIntosh, Granddaughters Marcie (Dan) Fournier, Danielle Skipper, Great-Grandkids Alicia (Eric) Wendland, Erin (James) Schrader, Marisa McIntosh, Grace and Shay Fournier, Taylor and Rylee Brazil and Lexie and Brianna Belice. Great-Great Grandkids, Landen, Alydia, Layne and Cole Wendland and Mia Schrader, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and peopled who loved him. He was “Grandpa” to so many. Harley, your family thanks you for all the great memories. We know you are at peace now with your loving wife by your side. A service will be held at a later date.