Obituary: John Burnam Smith, 69, The Dalles
John Burnam Smith passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2025, in The Dalles, Oregon.
John, the son of James F.M. Smith and Joanne Adeline Smith, was born March 25th, 1956, in Portland, Oregon.
The fifth of six children, John attended Coe Primary, Odell Grade, and Mid Valley Junior High School in Hood River County before attending Wahtonka High School in The Dalles, 1970-1974.
Industrious, multi-talented, and blessed with a delightful wit, by age 9, John was already moving sprinklers in the pre-dawn hours before school in the Odell orchard of beloved first foster parents Glen and Joyce Allen. Later, he picked apples, pears, and cherries under the summer sun in orchards from Odell to The Dalles. John endeared himself to foster parents Jim and Agnes Mortenson and family on their Mosier farm, where he rigorously undertook every brand of labor.
He was a skilled tractor driver in the dusty orchards, performed every job available in numerous restaurants, and in 1977 served as a vigilant first responder with the Wasco Rural Fire Protection District. John worked in the supermarket industry for 10 years in The Dalles, Marsing (Idaho), Bend, Oregon City, Portland, and Vancouver. In 1987, John graduated from Trend College, Vancouver, and found his true calling as a professional bookkeeper for 25 years until health issues forced early retirement.
For more than four decades, John was a familiar sight cruising in and around The Dalles in his fully restored, dark blue, 1956 Chevy Pickup.
John believed in the maxim “Work hard, play hard.” A natural athlete, growing up, he enjoyed multiple team sports. A gifted swimmer and diver, his antics at favorite Mosier Creek swimming holes – The Pocket, Sixteen Hole, Upper 16 Hole – were legendary. At 25, he boldly dived off a 55-foot-high basalt precipice into the mighty Columbia River.
John’s two lifelong passions were fishing and golf—the former primarily with Gary Gast, his close friend of more than 50 years. John and his foster brother and lifelong buddy Bob Mortenson were golf partners for decades, and in their 50s, especially pleased to renew their friendly rivalry at China Creek GC in Arlington.
Blessed with an unsurpassed love and respect for the great outdoors and God’s creatures who thrive therein, Mount Hood and Lost Lake were first among equals for John, though he enjoyed the stunning vista views throughout Wasco County, all along with the Deschutes, Klickitat and Hood Rivers and the whole of the Columbia River Gorge.
Along the journey – at home, school, work, and play -- John forged lifelong friendships. His unique manner of speaking, honesty, and sense of humor truly served to uplift and enrich the lives of family and friends.
John was rightfully proud of his beautiful home of 20 years at Foley Lakes. His manicured lawn and expert landscaping were the envy of the neighborhood.
In addition to the Allen and Mortenson families, as a teenager, John resided with foster parents Herman and Jeannie Bagge in Mosier and Jim and Lucille Torgeson in The Dalles.
In 2013, John survived a major heart attack, and his health gradually deteriorated from the effects of emphysema, COPD, and Peripheral Artery Disease. In 2018, he entered hospice and moved into Assisted Living at Flagstone in The Dalles, where he long served as an effective advocate for other residents.
An abiding faith in God long served as his anchor and gave John strength and peace as he endured the loss of his mother and four siblings. And enabled him to face his health challenges head-on with inspiring grace, dignity, and courage.
The family would like to extend thanks to the entire Bristol Hospice team, especially John’s caregiver, Megan Reed, for her compassion and countless acts of kindness. And to Doctors Lisa Pearson and Sonia Schuemann,
multiple nurses, and the dedicated staff at the Mid-Columbia Medical Center. Sincere thanks to foster sister Mary Ann Hay (Mortenson), Gary Gast, and Bob Mortenson for their love and ongoing support of John and family throughout this challenging time.
John was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Joanne Adeline Smith, in 1971, and his father, James F.M. Smith (2005). And by sister Sheila (1956), brother Daniel (2011), sister Patrica (2012), and brother Patrick (2018). He additionally forged a steadfast bond and friendship with his late brother-in-law, Roger Muma (2016).
John is survived by his dear elder sister, Florence Muma of Battle Ground, WA, and his beloved nieces Julie, Jennifer, and Heather, along with thirteen grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, each of whom “Uncle John” was so proud.
Services are planned for 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 27th, 2025, at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031). Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to watch a livestream of John’s service or to leave a note of condolence for the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John can be made to Providence Hospice of the Gorge c/o Anderson’s Tribute Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel.
