On October 4, 2013, our beloved 'Poppa' passed away. For 88 years, most people knew him as Edward J. Smith. We knew him as the patriarch of our family, the man who watched over us and loved us dearly. Ed, as his friends knew him, was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on May 15, 1925, the youngest of six children. His parents, William E. and Lillian Smith, moved their family to Boise, Idaho when Ed was just a toddler. In Boise, Ed attended St. Joseph's school and graduated from St. Teresa's Academy. He continued his education at Boise Junior College. Along with his two older brothers, Ed joined the military (he was in the Army) and earned a Purple Heart for his service during World War II. He enjoyed telling the story of his involvement in the D-Day invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He took great pride in being part of American history that has been commemorated in books and movies. After returning from the war, Ed met and fell in love with Rosemary Niichel. They married in September of 1947 and welcomed their daughter, Valerie, into their family in 1949. Ed and Rosemary observed their 66th anniversary this year, a week before his passing. Ed loved the out-of-doors and spent almost every hunting season camping and tracking with his life-long friends. Fishing season found him luring trout to his line while teaching his daughter, and later his grandchildren, the art of fishing. Ed worked in the paint and wallpaper business most of his life. He was a manager for Sherwin Williams for many years, did some paint contracting, and owned his own paint and wallpaper store. He definitely had an eye for color and construction, and he put his creative genius to work in the homes he shared with his beloved wife. That creative genius served him well as he became deeply involved with the Ada County Mounted Sheriff's Posse. He eventually served as captain of the Posse for many years, helping to create their intricate drills for performance at rodeos across the western states. His black light drill is a stellar memory for rodeo goers. Aside from the fun and entertainment the Posse provided, it was also integral to search and rescue activities throughout the county and sometimes beyond, which Ed participated in. Ed's love for this organization drove him to found the Idaho State Sheriff's Posse, which he led for many years. At the same time, he became instrumental in the formation of the Ada County Mounted Junior Sheriff's Posse and the Ehcapa Bareback Riders. He's probably riding his beloved horse, Tony, in a rodeo 'in the sky' right now. After Ed and Rosemary moved to Nampa, Idaho in 1971, he joined the Nampa Rod and Gun Club. True to form, he served as president of this organization for many years organizing shooting matches, gun trainings, and judging and participating in matches. He continued traveling to and participating in matches well into his later years, a fact he was very proud of. Some of Ed's fondest memories were of traveling in his motor home with his wife and grandchildren. He specifically bought their motor home so his family could enjoy their lives to their fullest. And they did! His grandchildren have cherished memories of their special times traveling and camping with him and their grandmother. Ed lived his life robustly until, like his motor home, his body succumbed to the 'wearing out' and 'breaking down' that accompany aging. But even then, his mind was clear and strong, his sense of direction was flawless, and his desire to be there for his family was valiant. Ed was the last of his brothers and sisters, Dick, Gene, Margaret, Helen, and Miriam to leave his earthly home. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Rosemary 'Connie' Smith, his daughter, Valerie Bingham, his grandchildren, Jeff Buttars and Tracy Richardson-Fray (Allan), and the great grandchildren he absolutely adored, Aidan Fray and Teagan Fray. He did his best to stay here to welcome his third great grandchild, Anistyn Fray, due in December, to the world. Instead he will now be the heavenly helper delivering her ever more lovingly to us. 'Poppa, we love you and miss you more than words can express.' Ed will be laid to rest on Friday, October 11, at Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise following Mass at 1:00 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Nampa. Rosary will be held for Ed at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 10, at Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel. An online guest book may be signed at www.nampafuneralhome.com

Service Information Recitation of the Rosary Thursday October 10, 2013 7:00 PM Nampa Funeral Home 415 12th Ave. So. Nampa, Idaho 83651 Mass of Christian Burial Friday October 11, 2013 1:00 PM St. Pauls Catholic Church 510 W. Roosevelt Ave. Nampa, Idaho 83686