Thank you from the family of Oliver Smith. The fear in writing such a thank you is that of forgetting someone very important. Thank you to the Arlington ambulance crew who repeatedly transported dad with such skill, patience and compassion. Thank you to the Arlington Fire Department who provided such a memorable tribute to Dad by attending his service with the Honor Guard and the fire trucks. To Becky Foster for her friendship and her beautiful voice. The Missing Man Formation performed by the Black Jack Squadron after his service, was the most incredible display and an honor that Dad would have forever cherished. It is a memory and an honor that we will forever cherish.
Thank you to the staff at Regency Care Center who so lovingly provided care and support to Dad and to our family during his final days and to North Snohomish County Hospice for the invaluable support and guidance. Also, thank you to the staff at Cascade Valley Hospital who cared for dad and accommodated our family on many occasions during recent months. Thank you to Pastor Carl Gabrielson and Our Saviours Lutheran Church for providing spiritual guidance and support and for ensuring that everything was in order for the service and the large gathering afterward.
To all of our family and friends, words cannot express our gratitude for your love and support during this difficult time. Thank you for all of the beautiful flowers, wonderful food, and generous memorial donations. Most of all, thank you for your friendship. It has been an honor to read the articles and Letters to the Editor in local papers in the past week that have made us very aware and proud of the man Oliver Punks Smith was. To those of you who dont know, at home and to each and every one of us, he was the same incredible man, husband, dad and grandpa. He touched each of us deeply and in some way shaped each of our lives. It is amazing to hear that he also touched so many of yours.
Kathy Nethery
Arlington