Ronald (Ron, Ronnie) James Smith

Jan 15, 1961 -

Sep 10, 2021

Ronald (Ron, Ronnie) James Smith, 60, of Anchorage, Alaska lost his battle with cancer on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 and passed away in his home.

Ron was born in Missoula, Mont., Jan. 15, 1961. At the age of three, he moved to Alaska and grew up in a very large blended family. The family goldmine near Cantwell claimed most of his freetime as a young man. At the age of 19, he met the girl that he would build and share his life with, Catherine (Cathie) Lee Vogel. In 1982, they were married in Anchorage. Together they welcomed three children, Mary, Michael and Melissa. In 1986, they decided to set out from Alaska and try to live in the lower 48. They tried several places in Washington, California and Nevada, before accepting that only Alaska truly felt like home to them and returned in 1990.

People who were fortunate enough to know Ron would describe him as a loyal, hardworking, kind, and generous man with a smile that was contagious. Those of us who knew him best would add that he was loving, clever, silly, mischievous, and even ornery.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Cathie Smith of Anchorage, Alaska. Their children, Mary Carlsen (Travis) of San Tan Valley, AZ.; Michael Smith of Anchorage, AK.; and Melissa Short (David) of Wasilla, AK. Grandchildren, Kierra, Ryan, Curtis, Taylor, Kaydence, Kristina, James; and great grandson Kadriel. Biological mother, Shirley Nichols of Soldotna, AK. Siblings, Richard (Rick) his twin brother, Carl, Debi Jean, Earl, Alan (Guy), Therese, Sharon, Suzy, Patrick, John, and Debbie Ann. He also leaves behind innumerable nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Patricia Smit;, his step-brother, David Knot; and nephew, Joshua Smith.

A Remembrance of Ron's Life will be held at Carpenter Hall, 407 Denali Street #100, Anchorage, AK on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.