Gerald "Jerry" Smith

Parting is such sweet sorrow These words from Shakespeare became poignant for the family and friends of Jerry Smith, when he peacefully passed from this life on Thursday, April 2, 2015, at Peace Hospice of Great Falls, Montana, following a long and valiant battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was 69 years young. Ever the teacher, Jerry showed us how to place one foot in front of the other in times of adversity, modeling how to live joyfully in the midst of pain, and then how to die with dignity and grace. Perseverance was his creed, gratitude was his constant prayer. Jerry was born January 9, 1946, to Edward and Theo Smith. They were tragically killed in an auto accident involving a drunk driver when Jerry was seven years old. His grandma, Marie Burch Prince (Gram), raised Jerry and his three siblings into adulthood. Jerry graduated from Anaconda High School in 1964, then obtained his English degree at Western Montana College in Dillon in 1968 and his Masters in counseling in 1975 from Northern Montana College. Jerry married the love of his life, Mary Pat Converse, also from Anaconda, in 1968. They lived their 47 years together in Great Falls, Montana, and shared the joys and blessings of parenting their two children, Jamie and Jeremy. Jerry taught English at East Junior High and then at Great Falls High School until his retirement in 2002. His humorous and creative teaching antics continue to bring a smile to his former students and colleagues. Jerry Smith a gentle soul, lover of life, believer in the power of positive thinking, passionate family man, life-long teacher extraordinaire, loyal friend; a man of quiet faith, humility, inner strength, kindness and selflessness. He lived life to the fullest, savoring time with his family, golfing with the boys during summer, a poker game or two, an occasional cigar, traveling, sporting events (especially baseball, basketball, and the north end zone seats at the Griz games), racquetball and voracious reading. His commitment to his health and well-being was evidenced by his constant adherence to a daily, structured physical fitness program, in spite of rain, sleet or snow; wherever he happened to be traveling in the world. Jerry volunteered his time and talents with Peace Hospice of Great Falls. His participation in Camp Francis, a Hospice childrens bereavement program, was the dearest to his heart, where he worked as a camp counselor, helping hundreds of children with their journey of grief and loss. The impact these children had on his life was profound, and he continued to participate even when cancer was creating discomfort and pain. Jerry is survived by Mary Pat, his adoring wife of 47 years; daughter Jamie Lavinder (Vance); son Jeremy Smith (Rae); 3 grandchildren Leigha, Jake and Henry; three siblings Linda, Cheri and Scott. Jerrys legacy of kindness and fortitude will never be forgotten. We are eternally grateful for his loving presence in our lives and for his perseverance through his cancer these last seven years. Indeed, Jerry Smith, you made a difference in this world.Hope is the thing with feathersThat perches in the soulAnd sings the tune without the wordsAnd never stops at all Emily Dickinson A memorial service will be held at Great Falls High Auditorium, Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Benefis Peace Hospice Childrens Bereavement Program (Camp Francis) and Peace Hospice House, 1101 26th St. S, Great Falls, MT 59405.