Claude Edward Smith

Claude "Bud" Edward Smith
April 3, 1935 - March 24, 2015
Born in Eugene, Bud grew up in Cottage Grove, Oregon and graduated from high school in Cottage Grove in 1953. Bud moved to Monmouth to attend Oregon College of Education. After earning his Bachelor's Degree, he received the first Graduate Assistantship offered to a student in OCE history. He finished college with a Masters of Education in 1961.
While in college, he met the love of his life Glenva McKinney and they recently celebrated 59 wonderful years of marriage. Bud was employed by OCE directly after graduation and served as the Director of Educational Media until he retired in 1991. Throughout Bud's 61 years in Monmouth, he spent countless hours as a volunteer and was involved in the community. In the 60's Bud joined the Jaycees and served as National Director.
He was a volunteer firefighter. He was the Fire Training Officer for several years and his highest rank was Captain. In later years, he was involved helping the Oregon's Fire Chiefs' Association and the Northwest Leadership Seminar in Portland.
Boating was one of his many passions. Starting with a 14 foot boat, ending with a 36 foot cabin cruiser. The waters lead to many summers cruising throughout the San Juan Islands and Lake Billy Chinook. He was involved in the Willamette River Power Squadron group - and reached the rank of Commander. He also taught boat safety courses to the public. He always enjoyed learning new things, so courses in navigation were needed to keep his mind sharp.
Another interest was in amateur "ham" radio. He learned Morse code in order to receive his license. That enjoyment lead him to be involved in many organizations including MARS and The Oregon Emergency Network. For a time, he was the Emergency Coordinator for Polk County, and several other organizations. Bud spent several years involved with the S.A.L.T. program in Dallas, serving as President for 2 years.
Another passion was his involvement with many of the Masonic Organizations. He was a member and Past Master of Lyon Lodge #29 AF & AM. He belonged to Al Kader Shrine, Polk County Shrine Club, and past member of Salem Patrol. He was a member of Scottish Rite, receiving his 32nd degree, KCCH, and 33rd degree. He was secretary of Salem Valley Scottish Rite for many years. He was a member of Adah Chapter #34 Order of Eastern Star in Independence. He served as Worthy Grand Patron of Oregon in 1983-84. He also held the position of Grand Treasurer for 4 years and was Worthy Patron at Adah Chapter several times. Bud also served as Associate Bethel Guardian for Job's Daughters Bethel # 34 in Independence.
Bud enjoyed volunteering as much as time would allow. He believed in the causes and missions of the organizations he worked with and a great void will be felt by many of those organizations that he supported. He felt it was so important for people to volunteer because without volunteers, so many things in this world wouldn't get done.
Although he had many interests and hobbies the most cherished part of his life was his family and home. He was a devoted son, loving, kind and caring husband, father and grandfather and will be missed more than words or our hearts can even begin to express.
He is survived by his wife Glenva, son Tom Smith (Dorothea) of Corvallis, daughters Anna Broxson (Don) of Salem and Sue Holz (Monte) of Monmouth, granddaughter Jessica Ingebriegtsen (Aron) of Salem, step-granddaughter Phaedra "Sunshine" Stefanakis of Portland, and 3 great-grandchildren Samantha, Ashley, and Bryce Ingebriegtsen of Salem.
Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 30th, at 2:00 pm at the Scottish Rite Center, 4090 Commercial Street SE, Salem.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital or the American Cancer Society. The family would like to give special thanks to all of the caring people at Senior Helpers. Arrangements are by Farnstrom Mortuary. Memories and condolences at FarnstromMortuary.com.