Matt Hugh Smith

Matt was first and foremost a dedicated husband to his loving wife of 65 years. That dedication defined him as a person. Honest, kind and selfless. A teacher of values and morals by his example. His influence has and will effect the lives of countless people for years to come Matt was on outdoorsman. He loved to fish, golf and spent a large part of his life as an avid hunter. Matt was born in Lovelock Nevada May 18th 1921. His parents Matt and Hilda Smith immigrated from Petalox, Finland and homesteaded in Lovelock Nevada.
They had six children. Frances, John, Cora "Kay", Ruth, Matt and Carl. Matt is survived by his sister Kay. His childhood was spent growing up on a farm in Lovelock during the depression. Not much in the way of modern farming today it would have been considered a hard life. It was a time he recounted with pride and love. Love of family, respect for his parents and gratitude for the people and things around him. Matt's childhood stories of breaking horses, fishing in drainage ditches and working on the farm with the whole family set the stage for the values that he lived by. You could count on his word. World War II called on Matt's patriotism to enlist in the marine corps. He had said that "they didn't even take my pulse". His first combat assignment was Iwo Jima. Matt never enjoyed talking about his service, partly due to the fact that he was a humble man and partly because of the horrific event that was is. After his discharge he ended up in Wells Nevada. The way he told it is that he had found out that Doll Smith had moved their and was teaching at the local high school. Matt had graduated from U of N with a degree in agriculture so it made perfect sense to open a grocery store to create an income that would allow him to woo Doll. They were married in Winnemucca Nevada on June 3ed 1946. Their union was the compass that their life operated around. Neither Matt or Doll could remember any time they had a fight or ever went to bed angry at the other. They traveled the world together. From hiking in New Zealand, trips to Europe to Alaska. Their complete love for each other has been an inspiration. Matt made decisions for the next 65 years based on the well being of Doll and family. Their first son Tyler was born in 1957 and currently lives in Twin Falls. Spencer, the second was born in 1958 and lives in Phoenix. WE can attest to the fact that Matt loved both of us with all his hart and unconditionally. He has been a wonderful father. His time with Tyler fishing and golfing with Spencer, working with both always was time held dear for him. Camping and sledding in the winter, and just being outdoors with us growing up was clearly a joy for him. His grand children Jason and Matt have both made him so proud. Each in their own have benefited from his kindness and guidance and could not have been any closer to Matt.
Matt was blessed with the opportunity to be a mentor to his great grand son Jacob as well. The time spent with these three men have brought such joy to Matt and Doll that it is hard to put into words. The list is long of people that were important to Matt. He shared of himself selflessly. From the Read Family, Hugh Montrose, Jenifer Mindock, Tresia Stones, all his card playing, golf and fishing buddies; the list is long. WE the family thank you all.
To share e memory of Matt or to offer condolences to Matt's family please visit www.whitemortuary.comIn Memory Of
MATT HUGH SMITH
May 18th 1921 - May 7th 2011

Service Details.

Service

When: Saturday, May 14th, 2011
Location: Funeral Home
Address: