Richard Smith

Richard (Dick) Smith was born on November 8, 1938 to Charles Austin Smith and Margaret Louise Shaffer Smith in Wichita, Kansas. He grew up on a small farm in Bel Plain, Kansas, working the land with his dad and raising a few cattle. Dick found love in High School with Virginia McNown and the two were married on October 11th, 1957. Dick was soon drafted into the Army and spent 2 years entertaining troops and dignitaries in South Korea, during that time his son Roderic was born. Two years later his daughter Gina was born. Dick always had a love of the mountains and Colorado. In 1970, he and Virginia moved their small family to Denver, fulfilling a child-hood dream of his to live in Colorado. He went to work for Martin Marietta and on weekends enjoyed the outdoors as much as he could, by hunting and fishing with friends and family. In 1973 he went to work for the Denver and Rio Grande railroad as a pipe-fitter, and retired from there many years later, (then known as the Union Pacific). Upon retirement, Dick couldn’t think of a better place to move than Atwood, Kansas. Dick passed away on February 17, at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins Colorado, after a short illness. He is survived by son, Roderic Smith from Brush; his wife Judy Smith; daughter, Gina Shimpa from Fort Collins; her husband Ron Shimpa; brother, Steve Smith from Wichita; his wife Deb Smith; and grandsons, Landon Shimpa, Parker Shimpa, and Adam Morgan. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia.

This community was so warm and welcoming, both Dick and Virginia made friends here quickly. Those friendships would become some of the best that they had in their entire lives!

The family would like to thank you all for your kindness and love shown to Dick and Virgina!

A brief graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, at Fairview Cemetery in Atwood. A celebration of his life luncheon will be held at the First Christian Church in Atwood following the service.

Memorials are suggested to Atwood AWANAs.

Condolences for the family may be sent to his daughter, Gina Shimpa, at 1632 Greengate Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80526.

Baalmann Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.