Craig D. Smith: 1956-2021

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Craig D. Smith went to be with his Lord and Savior March 4, 2021. His cause of death was a cardiac event. Craig was born June 19, 1956, to Doug and Margaret Anne (Phillips) Smith in Chehalis, Wash. He attended W.F. West High School in Chehalis, and graduated with the class of 1974.
In 1979, he spent a season logging in Alaska, which he always said was one of the best experiences of his life. Also in 1979, he married Sherry Pollman, and they moved to Grants Pass, Ore. There, he became a Christian and accepted the Lord Jesus in his heart. He worked as a logger in the Southern Oregon and Northern California area for several years. He and Sherry raised three daughters. In the early 1990’s, he decided on a career change and became a sheriff’s deputy with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, and later with Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Being a police officer was one of the most influential and significant periods in his life, which he was very proud of.
For a brief period, he went back to logging before finally deciding to move back to Washington. In 2008, he started work at Braun Northwest, where he gained many more friends and family. Around the same time, he reconnected with his love and life partner, Robin Joseph (Friske). Craig was always willing to help anyone in need, and enjoyed volunteering with his daughters’ 4-H club and high school equestrian teams, and later, the Southwest Washington Rodeo Association. Craig was an avid Bigfoot fan and loved to laugh.
He is survived by his love, Robin Joseph; and daughters, Lindsey (Todd) Travalini of Grants Pass, Ore., Rachel Collins of Williams, Ore., and Allison Smith of Grants Pass, Ore.; five grandchildren; and five bonus grandchildren.
Craig was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life is planned for June 19, 2021.