Arthur Oscar Smith

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur Oscar Smith on February 7th in Seaside, Oregon after a long and fulfilling life. 

Art was born on December 26, 1940, in Lynn, Massachusetts, the son of Bertha Frances Swap and George Stanley Smith. He graduated from Salem Vocational High School on June 10, 1960, then 11 days later he enlisted in the Coast Guard, where he served honorably until his retirement in 1980. 

Art found and married the love of his life, Judith Ann Johnson, on October 30, 1965, in Peabody, Massachusetts. They had four children: Andrea Lee, Diane Marie, Daniel Shane and Michael Scott. Shortly after Art retired from the Coast Guard, Judy was diagnosed with Leukemia. He stood by her side, loved and cared for her until she passed away in August of 2000. He worked as a welder at Astoria Oil, Maintenance at Sand and Sea Condominiums and Manresa Castle. He also worked at several odd jobs during Judy’s illness so he could be flexible in taking the time to take Judy to her many medical appointments. 

Art loved his family, the 20 years he spent in the Coast Guard, hunting elk, stock car racing, loved taking pictures, traveling back and forth across the United States in his motorhome, visiting and telling stories with lifelong friends and his family. For many years he was a Hunter Safety course instructor, he was a member of the Evergreen Masonic Lodge No. 137 AF & AM of Seaside Oregon, Seaside Chapter of DeMolay Master Counselor, American Legion Post 99 Post Commander and more recently an E-Board member.

Remaining to cherish Art’s memory are 3 children Andrea (Patrick) Wilson, Daniel (Rose) Smith and Micheal Smith, his 7 grandchildren James Daniel Robert Silvis, Jesus Humberto Perales, Erika Marie Perales, Daniel Shane Smith Jr, Caitlyn Diane Smith, Taryn Leigh Smith and Jocelyn Rae Smith, and 2 great grandchildren Nora Diane Silvis and Sofia Marie Martz, 1 sister Gloria Norris (Cann).

Preceding Art in death are his wife Judith, his daughter Diane Perales, his second wife Pati. Parents, Arthur and Malvinia Cann, and Bertha and George Smith. 3 brothers Robert Cann, Ralph Cann, William Cann, 1 sister Phyllis Gerniglia (Cann), and an unknown number of Smith family members.

Celebration of life will be held at the Seaside American Legion Post 99 on Sunday, April 6th at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Coast Guard, Air Station Astoria. 

Art found joy in life and sharing it with others, the family asks that you do the same, go out and do things that bring you joy and share it with those around you. If you feel so moved, reach out and tell us about fun times shared with Art. So, in lieu of any flowers or any monetary donations, the family would rather you share those stories or pictures of Art, these can be sent to Andrea at andrealwilson66@gmail.com, and the family will be happy to share them at the celebration if you wish.

Also, online condolences may be shared at: https://everloved.com/life-of/arthur-smith-cann/