Charles “Scott” Smith, age 66, of Oak Harbor passed away peacefully on March 16, 2014, at home, surrounded by his loving family after a seven-year valiant and brave battle with cancer.
He was the son of Charles B. Smith and Mary (Smith) Ang. He was born in Philadelphia, Penn.
Scott graduated from high school in 1966 and joined the United States Navy “Seabees.”
During his time in the Navy, he proudly served in Vietnam; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Argentina; Newfoundland; Gulfport, Miss.; U.S. Department of State, traveling around the world and based in Vienna, Austria, for two years; CBU-417 on Whidbey Island; and NBCM 40 in Port Hueneme, Calif., where he retired after 20 years of dedicated and faithful service to his country.
During his military career, he was awarded Vietnam Service Medals with Combat Action Ribbons, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, five Good Conduct Awards and the Navy Achievement Medal.
He was also designated Expert M16A1 rifle and .45 caliber pistol.
After retirement, Scott attended Skagit Valley College, graduating with an associate’s degree utilizing his GI Bill. He worked with the Troubleshooters, opened his own business (Island Repair Service), worked and retired from Puget Sound Energy, volunteered for two years as a reserve officer with the Oak Harbor Police Department and was employed by the Navy Exchange.
He was a very active member in the Central Whidbey Sportsmen’s Association and a life member of the National Rifle Association.
Through the NRA, Scott was designated an instructor in all three disciplines: rifle, pistol and shotgun.
He enjoyed sailing, camping and competitive shooting with all his friends and “family” at CWSA.
At his request, there will be no services.
He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Ang; his stepfather, Mickey Ang; and two stepbrothers, David Ang and Jeffrey Ang. They were all of Somers Point, N.J.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; two daughters, Ruthann Lasko (Mike) of Oak Harbor, and Jessica Pittman of Everett, Wash.; his stepbrother, Bill Ang (Theresa) of Somers Point, NJ; and by three grandsons, Ryan Coffman (Mariah), Alex Coffman and Cauy Lasko, all of whom he was extremely proud.
Also surviving are his companions, Tasha the cockatoo and Marshall, his canine buddy.
The family would like to extend its thanks for the expert and professional care given by the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Dr. Peter Jiang and the staff at Whidbey General Hospital Oncology Department, along with the help, caring and guidance of Gary and Martha Wallin and Jim Bailey at Wallin Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, WAIF (of Whidbey Island) or your favorite charity.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Please visit Scott’s page in the Book of Memories hosted at www.wallinfuneral home.com
