Gordon C. Smith
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Gordon C. Smith, 93, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2022.
Gordon was raised in Salmon, Idaho. He received a BS Degree in Forestry from the University
of Idaho. While at the University he became a member of the Army ROTC.
On February 25 1952 Gordon married Ruth Seaton of Twin Falls, Idaho. He was then deployed by the U.S. Army to Korea and assigned to the Army Air Corps. He flew over 100 missions in Korea receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, as well as the Air Medal.
Once Gordon returned stateside, he began his career as a Staff Accountant with the J.R. Simplot Company. While working at Simplot, he graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Idaho State University in Management and Organizations and later completed the Executive Business Program at Stanford University. Gordon worked his way up within the company and in 1988 he became CEO. After 41 years with the company, Gordon retired in 1993. In 1994, he received the title of Business Leader of the Year from Idaho State University. He later praised J.R. Simplot, saying he always allowed his employees to be creative and try new ideas. Gordon valued J.R. as an employer and a friend.
Over the years, Gordon not only served his company but also his community. He sat on multiple boards, including Micron Technology's Board of Directors, J.R. Simplot Company's Board of Directors, Boise Chamber of Commerce, Idaho Bank and Trust, American Mining Congress, Blue Cross of Idaho, First Security Corp, and St. Alphonsus' Board of Directors. He also gave back to Idaho State University, serving as a member of the Business College's Advisory Council.
Gordon had a passion for animals and ranching. He owned a small ranch in Emmett where he spent weekends while still working. He raised a variety of animals, tended a large garden, and even tried his hand at planting a small gala apple orchard. After retirement, he moved to Baker City with his son, Kirk, to ranch full-time. He later returned to Eagle, Idaho where he continued to enjoy gardening and spending time with his wife and family.
Gordon is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruth Smith; his sister, Carol Giovannetti; his two sons, Mark (Gail) and Kirk (Marsha); his grandchildren, Anntara Smith (Jason Longley), Terra Bigelow (Mark), Janelle Connell (Adam), Ashlyn Acikalin (Yavuz), Katelyn Petry (Jerame), Mitko Smith and eleven great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held in Salmon, Idaho on Friday, September 16, 2022 at 11:00 am. Tributes can be made online at relyeafuneralchapel.com. Donations can be made in Gordon's honor to Fuzzy Pawz Rescue, Tunnels to Towers or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.