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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (April 27, 2016)
22 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Obituaries Dwight A. Smith April 3, 1942– April 19, 2016 Dwight A. Smith, born April 3, 1942, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2016, due to complications from pneu- monia at Portland’s Legacy Emanuel Hospital. He was the youngest of four children born to Loren and Pearl Prose Smith in a farmhouse in Virden, Illinois. After high school, he graduated from Southern Teddy Roy Napier 1944-2016 Teddy Roy Napier died suddenly April 21 at his home in Sisters. Ted was born in Livermore, California, in 1944. He moved with his family to Eugene in 1948, where he grew up with his two siblings. After high school Ted was drafted into the United States Marine Corps in 1966. Ted was very proud of being a Marine, and served his country with honors. In his 13-month active-duty service in Vietnam he distinguished himself and rose to the rank Illinois University, spent two years in the Army and then attended graduate school at Colorado State in Fort Collins. Dwight met his wife, Pat, at SIU and they married in Evergreen, Colorado and shortly after, moved to Oregon where Pat taught in the Salem/ Keizer School District while Dwight worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation in the envi- ronmental section. His career allowed him to ful- fill his passion for Oregon’s historic bridges and the of corporal, making many lifelong friends. After returning to civilian life, Ted earned a degree in civil engineering, and mar- ried his wife of 43 years, the former Rhita Drasye. They moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where Ted operated a suc- cessful metal fabrication business. The couple had two children, Travis Hiki and Stephanie Nichol. In 1989 the family moved back to Oregon, settling in Sisters. After returning to Sisters, Ted and Rhita started a fur- niture business until Ted, along with his long time business partner Gary Franks Columbia River Highway Historic District. After the passing of his wife in 1998, Dwight retired and moved to their Sisters home, where he was an active board member for the Sisters Library, and served on several state advisory committees. Friends and family remember their love for hosting and entertaining for any occasion. He was a very generous family mem- ber and friend, and always remembered birthdays and special occasions. He is survived by his bought a metal fabrication business in Springfield, from where he finally retired. Ted cherished his fam- ily and his many friends. He loved his hunting trips, fishing trips, and everything Central Oregon had to offer. He loved to entertain and to teach anyone he could pull into his shop how to build almost anything. Ted built retreats enjoyed by family and friends on the Oregon coast, and in the forests of Marcola. In 2008, Rhita and Ted discovered Mexico, where they spent time every winter. special cousin, Normadine Johnson; sisters-in-law Lynne and Janice; nieces Lisa, Amy, Denise, Diane and nephew John; fam- ily friends Kay, Koert and Anacka (Kominek) Balke and Bonnie and Chuck Peter. Dwight was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pat, his parents, sis- ter Rita, and brothers Milton and Lyle, and niece Diana. Donations can be made in memory of Dwight A. Smith to the following char- itable organizations: Lord and Schryver Conservancy, Eventually, they bought a 300-year-old hacienda where they happily embraced the culture and life of Mexico. Last summer Ted experi- enced one of the highlights of his life by hosting the wedding of his daughter, in the process proudly acquir- ing a much-welcomed and loved new branch to the family. Anyone who knew Ted will remember him as a truly unique individual who will be missed immensely. Ted is survived by his wife, Rhita Napier; son, Travis Napier; daughter, Stephanie Aguirre; Friends of the Sisters Library or the Oregon Historical Society. A private service for Dwight Smith will be held at a later date. son in law, Joppe Aguirre; brother Rodney Napier; sis- ter, Peggy Bagley; and many nieces and nephews. A service will be held at the family home at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, 69309 Lake Drive, Sisters.
