Richard John Smith

Richard John Smith, aged 73, of Tracy, Montana, passed away on April 16, 2025. Rich, a husband, father, and friend was born in Great Falls, Montana, in October 1951. He was affectionately known as the “Coulee Mechanic” and was a great friend to many.

Rich was born and raised in Great Falls and graduated from Great Falls High School. He grew up with two older brothers, Garnett Smith and Ron Smith. He attended Montana State University before choosing to pursue a career in the automotive industry. Rich became a master mechanic who could fix anything, but specialized in Honda and Ford vehicles. He spent most of his career at Rebal & Peirce Honda, with later work at Bison Ford and operating his own home-based mechanic business out of his shop.

Rich met and married Donita Jacobson in the 1980s, and together they had two sons, Chad, born in 1986, and Travis, in 1990. In the early 90s, they began building their family home on land that had been in the family for three generations in Tracy, where Rich would spend the rest of his life.

In the mid-90s, Rich and Donita separated, and he remained single until meeting his wife, Susan, on Halloween of 2004. Rich’s family grew as he was blessed with Susan’s children, Megan and Jason. Together, Rich and Susan continued to live in the Tracy home, where they shared a life filled with love and laughter. Over the years, their family expanded to include 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Susan fondly remembers Rich as her “best friend and partner.”

Rich had a lifelong passion for NASCAR and drag racing, frequently spending time at the Lewistown drag strip. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He loved hunting and fishing, and though born with a shorter leg, he never let it stop him from enjoying time in the Montana outdoors. He was a true outdoorsman at heart. He was also a passionate sports fan and loved his Montana State Bobcats and Seattle Seahawks the most.

Rich also had a special bond with animals, especially dogs, and they were naturally drawn to his kind and gentle spirit. He was a deeply compassionate, caring, and genuine man, the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation.

Rich leaves behind a loving legacy and a deeply rooted family tree. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Susan; his older brother, Garnett of Arizona; his children, Chad of North Dakota, Travis of Great Falls, Jason of Big Fork, and Megan of Laurel; along with 14 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren spread across Montana and North Dakota.

A memorial gathering is planned for the last weekend of June.