Obituary: Connie Lee Smith, 94, Hood River

Connie Lee Smith, our treasured father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon—the community he called home for over nine decades. He was 94.

Connie was born in Rosebud, South Dakota, the youngest of five children born to William Otis Smith and Frances Marie Carman Smith. Around age three, he moved with his family to the Hood River Valley. From then on, Hood River wasn’t just his hometown—it was the backdrop of his entire life story. Connie built his life here, rooted deeply in family, friendships, community, and a relentless work ethic that defined everything he touched.

He graduated from Hood River High School in 1949, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. More importantly, it was there that he met the love of his life, Joan Caruso. They married in 1950 and spent the next 73 years building a life that was equal parts partnership, adventure, hard work, and devotion. Together, they raised two children—Charlotte and Philip—and created a home that overflowed with warmth, laughter, loyalty, and yes—dogs.

Connie had a natural magnetism that drew people in. He was steady, strong, and principled, yet warm and approachable. He didn’t speak loudly, but when he spoke, you listened. He had a sharp sense of humor, a deep sense of integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

His love of sports was a lifelong passion. In the 1950s, Connie played city league basketball and spent years refereeing high school games across the Columbia Gorge, often alongside his brother-in-law and close friend, Ross Scoville. Even as he aged, he stayed active—playing handball and racquetball into his 70s and hitting the golf course well into his 80s.

But his involvement in sports went far beyond his own participation. Connie helped co-found Hood River Little League with his cousin Marvin Harder and friend Bruce Erickson—a legacy that continues today. He coached Philip’s teams and was an unwavering presence at every game and practice, always encouraging, always steady.

He was equally proud of Charlotte, supporting her passion for dance. Some may remember seeing her perform at halftime during games he refereed—a family memory that still brings smiles.

Professionally, Connie was a self-made man with a remarkable instinct for business. He and his brother Billy launched their first venture in 1950, buying a Texaco station on the Heights. That gas station grew into a successful car dealership—Smith’s Rambler—and over the course of 35 years, Connie built and operated franchises for Nash, AMC, Jeep, Datsun, and Nissan. In 1972, he and Joan opened a modern dealership at 1203 12th Street, which housed a showroom, service bays, a parts department, and office rentals—a testament to their vision and determination.

But Connie’s entrepreneurial streak didn’t stop there. In 1974, he and Joan renovated a charming older home in west Hood River and transformed it into the Stonehedge Inn, a restaurant they ran for ten years. Later in life, they found joy in their winters in Sun City West, Arizona—playing golf and racquetball, walking their dogs, entertaining visiting family, and relishing the slower rhythm of retirement while never straying far from their roots.

Connie also gave generously to his community. He served on the Hood River City Council during the 1960s and was a dedicated member of the Hood River Elks Lodge for decades, where he proudly served as both officer and Exalted Ruler. He believed in giving back and showed that belief through his actions—not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do.

Connie was a quiet giant in the lives of those who knew and loved him. He was dependable, grounded, and deeply loving. He was there—not just physically, but emotionally—for every recital, every graduation, every game, every moment that mattered. He was a man of few words and strong values, and his legacy will live on not only in stories but in the way we try to emulate his example: to lead with character, to work hard, and to love our families fiercely.

He is survived by his children, Charlotte (Richard) Arnold of Hood River, and Philip (Victoria) Smith of Scottsdale, Arizona; his grandchildren: Jacob Arnold (Jessica Han), Nicholas Arnold (Brian Burke), Meredith Arnold (Harvey Anton), Monica Fitzgerald (Timothy), and Morgan Worrell (Taelor); and his five great-grandchildren: Dyllan Arnold, Lola Anton, Olivia Fitzgerald, Finley Fitzgerald, and Blayne Worrell.

He is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, former colleagues, neighbors, and friends—each of whom held a special place in his life.

And of course, Connie’s life wouldn’t be complete without mention of the Golden Retrievers he and Joan loved and adopted over the years. They brought joy, mischief, companionship, and unconditional love into their home—and reflected the warmth and devotion that Connie showed to all living things.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Connie’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, at Anderson’s Tribute Center in Hood River. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Connie’s name to Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon, a nonprofit dedicated to saving and rehoming Golden Retrievers in need C/O (Andersons Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031)

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.