Lester Smith

Les Smith passed away Sept. 7 of natural causes at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 201 44th St. S. in Great Falls.Les was born on Jan. 3, 1939 in Fargo, ND. He attended school in Havre and graduated from Fairfield H.S. in 1956. He attended the College of Great Falls, but left short of graduation to pursue his love of hunting and fishing. He began a career of selling sporting goods at Scheels in Great Falls and became a friend and adviser to many sportsmen throughout the state of Montana. He cherished his many friendships with sportsmen and sportswomen throughout his life.He fulfilled his military obligation by joining theArmywhere he served in Hawaii and other duty stations. When he returned to Great Falls he married Francis Nichols-Golie and became stepdad to her three children. Les and Franb moved to Sioux Falls, SD for several years where Les sold hunting and fishing gear to retail outlets.He was preceded in death by his parents Roger and Veronica Smith, sister Carole Smith-Baumgartner, brother Donald Smith, and wife Francis Nichols-Golie-Smith. He is survived by sister Gaile Smith-Wilson (Rich), three stepchildren: Vicki Elliot of Ohio, Dan Golie of Wisconsin and Doug Golie of Missoula; and longtime Companion Fran Feller of Great Falls. There are numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.Burial of ashes will occur later at the Choteau Cemetery.