"Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher."

- Japanese Proverb

Walter Earl Smith, 95, a resident of The Dalles, passed away on December 6th, 2024.

Walt was born to Walter and Francis Smith in Myrtle Point, OR in 1929. He was the youngest of 10 children. Walt was an excellent student and served as president of the student body. He graduated from Myrtle Point High School before enrolling at Oregon State University. After two years of studies, Walt transferred to the University of Oregon to enroll in their education program. There he met his future bride, Beth, in 1950.

Walt was active in ROTC and while working on his master’s degree, he was called to service following the outbreak of the Korean War. While in training at Fort Benning, GA, his bride defied her parents and hopped there on a train from California. Walt and Beth were wed in 1951 and soon after, traveled back to California for more military training. Walt served in the Army honorably in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his acts of bravery.

After returning home, Walt and Beth immediately returned to the University of Oregon to complete Walt’s graduate program in 1953. That summer, while working on a dairy farm with his brother, Walt received a call from the superintendent of schools in The Dalles, OR offering him a job. The young couple packed up and headed to their new home for what they intended to be a five-year stay. In 1954, Walt and Beth welcomed their first child, and later, three more children. During this time, Walt’s passion for teaching grew and the family decided to make The Dalles their permanent home.

Walt went on to teach English at The Dalles High School for 36 years. He was a quiet man at home and outside of the classroom, but once he stepped foot in that classroom, he came alive. He was full of charisma, told the best stories, and had an amazing sense of humor. He and Les Jensen, a fellow English teacher, were always pal-ing around and joking with the students. While all his children attended The Dalles High School, none of them opted or dared to attend his class.

Walt worked the ticket booths for all three sports seasons at the high school, where he got acquainted in a different setting with his students and their parents. He was known as the “man at the booth.” He spent most summers working at Stadelman Fruit processing cherries and making ends meet to support his family. Walt retired from teaching in 1989.

In his long retirement years, Walt loved traveling with Beth to Reno, making stops at every casino along the way. He also enjoyed playing golf, although he was never very good at it. Many locals would also remember his daily morning walks around the neighborhood from his home on Jordan Street. Walt was also a lifelong Ducks sports fan; you could find him in his recliner watching every game possible.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and extended family, as well as his grandson, Andy Nelson.

Walt is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Beth; children Debbie, Laurie, Kathy, and Gary; grandchildren Melissa and Kayla; and great-grandchildren Trynity, Orion, Jaxson, and Charlotte.

At Walt’s request, the family will not be holding a service.

In lieu of flowers, Walt’s family requests memorials be made in his name to the North Wasco County School District Education Foundation.