Terrance James 'Terry' Smith

Terry Smith died March 7, 2019 at his beloved ranch doing one of his favorite chores, feeding the cattle. His wife and partner for nearly 58 years was with him as he took his last breath.

Terry was born on July 2, 1935 to Elmer Smith and Mabel (Stevenson) Smith in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan. He was the last of their seven children: Murray (died at birth) Lois, Wilma, Robert, Keith, Doreen and Terry.

Terry was born July 2, 1935 to Elmer and Mabel (Stevenson) Smith in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan. He was the last of their seven children: Murray (died at birth), Lois, Wilma, Robert, Keith, Doreen.

After graduating from Canada's equivalent of high school, he and his parents left Lucky Lake to find a new home. They found a special small ranch near Ovando, Mont. and became U.S. citizens. Terry was soon drafted into the Army.

After going back to the ranch, Terry had the opportunity to buy his own ranch and it was during those days that Terry met Carolyn LePiane (there was a little matchmaking going on by Carolyn's Aunt Louise Haynes.) They were married and lived on the old Praast place, where they have resided off and on for their 58 years.

This is where his children ran wild and grew up. Jeanne Dawn, Matthew James, Vicki Lynn, Tracy Ann and Marcy Elena loved Terry's sense of humor, his firm hand when they were learning right and wrong, his work ethic, his fierce pride, his generosity; but most importantly his love. He would have done anything for his children as long as it was within his moral principles.

Terry worked with neighbors in logging, haying and fencing. He raised and showed Appaloosa horses thanks to a great old cowboy named Lew Ferguson.

Terry also worked for different Breeder's Services for 45 years. He really enjoyed this. It was during this time that he designed and built a mobile breeding barn. He was proud of that barn; and many hundreds of cows went through it. He built his new home with the help of some very innovative neighbors. But mostly he raised his kids and he ranched.

He felt comfortable wherever he was: on a horse or tractor, in the city, on the ranch, in Canada, in an argument, sharing a joke, giving a hug; with strangers or with family. He knew himself. This trait made everyone like him and the more you got to know him, the more you loved him.

After the children were gone Terry and Carolyn enjoyed many wonderful vacations: Germany, Italy, cruising on a great ship in the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans and across the eastern U.S. in a tour bus.

Terry was preceded in death by his lovely little granddaughter, Abigail Reimann. He is survived by his adored wife, Carolyn his son and daughters; his grandchildren: Lyle Pocha, Ty (Delaney) Pocha, Mia Smith, Nathan Schuele, Shawnae lnama, Maggie Smith, Paul Schuele, Matteo Smith and Sandra Schuele and his great grandson, Kaine Jaxson Pocha and sister, Doreen Thorpe, Bakersfield, Calif. and MANY beloved nieces and nephews.

Terry was a person who loved his God and Church and people. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Helmville on Friday, March 29 at 11 a.m. There will be a luncheon at the Helmville Community Center following.

On July 2, 2019, there will be a Celebration of Terry's life at the ranch. All are invited.

Donations may be sent to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) at 1215 4th Ave., Ste 1100, Seattle Wash., 98161. This is due to the fact that two daughters and one granddaughter are diabetic.