Maynard "Jerry" Smith Obituary

Jerry Smith passed away, peacefully, in his home on 8th July, after a steady decline in overall health and a recent fall. Intact to the end was his quick wit, charm, and appreciation for those around him.
Now a little bit about this fine fellow. Jerry spent his childhood in Penawawa, Washington, where his family operated the first farm off the main road offering "U-pick" peaches, nectarines, and cherries. As an only child, Jerry was raised by parents who instilled in him the values of kindness and a non-judgmental attitude. He believed in treating others with respect, regardless of their background or appearance, embracing a "come as you are" philosophy. In his youth, Jerry formed friendships with the itinerant workers, known then as "hobos", who traveled the rails and worked on his family's farm. These men shared stories of their journeys and lives, leaving a lasting impression on him.
Along with the fruit trees, Jerry's family also had a milking cow and pigs. Jerry loved to tell the tale of one particularly clever pig who, realizing that greener pastures lay beyond an electric fence, would run towards the wire, squealing in anticipation, knowing that a few shocks were worth the green on the other side. Like that pig, Jerry, too, wanted to escape that farm. He succeeded when he left to do a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at the University of Idaho. In addition to completing his degree he also gained a wife, Donna, and together they embarked on a life that had them living in several states and eventually across the country for an MBA (Jerry never used the phrase "Harvard MBA" but his family is willing to do it here).
After finishing his MBA, living in several states, and having two daughters, they eventually had the opportunity to purchase an earth-moving equipment business in Portland, Oregon and Trail Equipment Company was born. As his daughters got older, Jerry had the time to re-engage with his first passion: education. He became an avid traveler for classes in architecture, history, literature in England, France, and Italy. Eventually, he decided to "formalize" his education and entered Reed College's Masters of Arts in Liberal Science program. He loved taking these classes so much that he was reluctant to complete his thesis. He became their longest serving student (~10 years).
While exercising his mind was always important, he was equally passionate about cycling. Again, he travelled around the world for biking (New Zealand, France, Czech Republic, and several states). As a Wheelmen club member, he was frequently in contention for top yearly mileage, and at the age of 80 years he did take that top honor!
So we have the intellectual and the physical. Now we would like to tell you a little bit about Jerry's heart. Not the heart that unfortunately gave out on him in the end, but the heart he felt for humanity. He believed in local and direct giving and engagement and gave both of time and resources to people and causes. Jerry's genuine interest in people often led him to quietly offer financial support whether to help someone in acute need or to serve as a primary backer of their community outreach efforts. Jerry's generosity was like a stone cast into water--its ripple effect continues to touch lives, including those he never met.
As one would expect at age 92, Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Marjorie Bee Smith (nee Wallace) and Maynard Marcus Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Donna Lee Smith (nee Bauer), daughters Marsha (m. Craig Feibel) and Christine, and his adored grandson Jordan, Christine's son.
The family would like to invite you to a "Celebration of Life" on Saturday, the 19th July, 11:00 - 2:00 at "The Foundry" located at 320 Oswego Pointe Dr, Lake Oswego, Oregon. Jerry would say "Come as you are". Light refreshments will be served.