Nicholas Lee Smith

Nicholas Lee Smith was born in Prairie City on December 6, 1942, the son of Clarence Eugene and Noretta Adelbert (Springer) Smith.

His father being a construction engineer the family moved around a lot during his younger years including Pendleton, where Nick, as he was best known, graduated from High School.  They also lived in Hood River before settling in La Gande.  His mother took a job at the trailer factory and though his father still travelled for work La Grande was the home base.

Nick joined the U.S. Army where he served as a Green Beret and the Rangers.  Though he was discharged and reenlisted in the Army multiple times most of his career was in military service.  As a civilian he worked as an engineer and heavy equipment operator on road and bridge construction projects.  He also owned several mining claims in the Hell's Canyon.

Nick was married to Phyllis Kathman on December 24, 1966.  They had his two loving daughters Deanna Gurinko and Nicole Smith.  Married and divorced a couple times throughout the years. The most recent being July 7, 2020, he was married to Meredith Ann "Mickey" Johnson in La Grande.  They kept finding their way back to each other. 

Nick was a member of the La Grande Church of Christ.  He was the Federal Employee of the year in 1991, an honor bestowed by the Atlanta Federal Executive Board.  He enjoyed yard work.  He was kind of a rabblerouser who never hesitated to voice his opinion or opposition as was evidenced by his frequent letters to the editor in the Observer.  He would go to battle for the underdog or whatever he deemed was right.  He was also a member of the American Legion.

Relatives who remain are his wife, Mickey Smith of La Grande; children, Deanna, Nicole, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Nick passed away on October 29, 2025 at the local hospital.  He was 82 years of age.

Nick will be laid to rest near his parents in the Grandview Cemetery following a graveside service on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. 

Contributions in memory of Nicholas Smith may be made to the American Legion Post 43, P.O. Box 55, La Grande, Oregon 97850.