Clayton/Lakeville: Charles Dennis Smith passed peacefully on July 23, 2018 at age 74, surrounded in love by his family. Predeceased by his parents C. Oliver and Vivian (Green) Smith. Survived by his loving wife of 50 years Judith (Miller) Smith and son Brian (and wife Jennifer) Smith of Colorado; his two grandchildren, Colden and Nia Smith; sisters, Jan (and husband Tom) Wolski of Cambridge, NY and Heather (and husband Steve) Bailey of Vermont, and many nieces and nephews.
Dennis retired after a long career at Kraft Foods. He enjoyed the next chapter watching sunsets and ships with Judy from their home in Clayton, boating and fishing the St. Lawrence and baiting hooks for his grandchildren. When not puttering, Dennis could be found in the woods, immersed in the nature and wild he was deeply connected to. September was a time to make an annual trip to Colorado to hunt elk with his son, nephew Greg, and brother in-law Jim Johnston. This time in the Rocky Mountains was special beyond measure for father and son. A defining part of his life, hunting created lifelong friendships, and Dennis shared abundance from his success with family and friends.
Snow skiing was also a big part of his life. He and Judy were familiar faces at Swain for more than three decades and adored skiing Arapahoe Basin and Keystone in Colorado with their grandchildren who were his pride and joy.
Denny’s practicality and practical jokes will be missed as much as his presence at family gatherings and in the day to day, for he was always someone to lend a strong hand, and his barbecued chicken was a mainstay at summer gatherings.
As a grandfather, he introduced the funny pages and dominoes, made mischief and imparted patience and simple joy through fishing, playing cards, and observing the wonders of nature together. He will be missed.
Family and friends may call on Friday, August 3rd, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY where services will be held on Saturday, August 4th, at 11am. Memorial contributions may be made in Dennis’ memory to Livonia Ambulance, PO Box 8, Livonia, NY 14487. The family would be so grateful if you shared stories and memories, or offered condolences, by visiting: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Judy and family,
Charlie and I were so saddened and shocked to hear the news. You are in our prayers for you to find peace.
Dear Judy, Jan, Heather, and families.
I am so saddened to hear of Denny’s passing. You are all in Sue’s and my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have made with Denny. God bless you.
John
Denny was a great friend and I already feel the loss. A true outdoorsman,we enjoyed many fishing trips as teenagers, and in our senior years both hunting and fishing, making up for missed years in the middle. Special thanks for his support during my kidney cancer experience.
Dearest Judy and family,
Hearing about your loss has deeply saddened us but we know that this is far from what you are going through right now. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Dear Judy and family:
Heaven has gained the best fly fisherman in the world. I remember him in that canoe at camp at very early hours of the morning working that fly rod like no other! Many thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come.
Judy and Brian,
I was saddened to see that Denny had passed. He definitely made the most of his time here on Earth. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Carol Ferran
Head up eyes open Den! May you have long and plentiful times. Thanks for everything you taught me.
Dear Judy and family,
We are so sad to hear of Dennis’s passing. It is very hard to lose a loved one. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.