1936-2019

Lawrence Alfred Smith, affectionately known by all as Al, passed away on Jan. 16, 2019.

Al was born in Detroit, Michigan to Alfred and Marie Smith on March 31, 1936. Al made his home in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, South Lake Tahoe, California and Gardnerville, Nevada before settling on Orcas Island in 1992.

His personal faith and passion for designing and building steered him through a diverse and fulfilling life. Al was an entrepreneur. He ran several businesses throughout his life from restaurateur to his dairy delivery service in the San Juan Islands. His incredible work ethic and active lifestyle allowed him to continue doing the things he loved right up to the end.

He made many friends along the way and will be remembered for his great stories and passion for his hobbies.

Al truly enjoyed God’s creation, making the San Juan Islands one of his favorite places on earth. He often would stop to admire fields of flowers or a beautiful sunset and the beauty of the animal world.

He found contentment and purpose in the Bible’s future promise of everlasting life on paradise earth, which he joyfully shared with others.

In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his only sibling, his sister Louise.

He is survived by his wife Rebecca Smith as well as his nine children (Yvonne, Beverly, Connie, Linda, Donald, Gail, Shanda, Alan and Glenn), nine grandchildren (Jennifer, Chris, Karah, Jared, Alexander, Emily, Sage, Derek and Keina, four great-grandchildren, his brother-in-law Wayne, numerous nieces and nephews and other family members.

A service to memorialize his life will be held on Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 112 Henry Rd., Eastsound, Orcas Island. A reception will follow.