Dennis Smythe

Feb 27, 1942 -

Sep 17, 2022

Dennis Lee Smythe, age 80, passed away on Sept. 17, 2022, at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. Dennis was born on Feb. 27, 1942, in Long Beach, Calif., to Donald and Jane Smythe.

At a young age, the family relocated to Elma, Wash. Mr. Smythe graduated from Elma High School in 1960. On Jan. 1, 1963, he and his brother, Douglas, joined the Air Force. Dennis was stationed in Japan. He finished his tour on Jan. 1, 1967. Mr. Smythe eventually attended college at the University of Montana, Missoula.

Moving to Anchorage in 1971, he became a soils engineer for Greater Anchorage Area Borough. Shortly thereafter, he began a long career with the State of Alaska, Department of Labor, DOSH. He and Gala Parsley were married on July 30, 1980. Mr. Smythe retired from the State in 1997. He was one of the original founders of the Alaskan Bowhunters Association and helped Alaska Fish & Game start their Bowhunters Education program. During the years he became active with Boy Scouts serving on the Board. He was an avid bowhunter and loved fishing with the flies he tied. Dennis enjoyed hunting in Alaska, the Lower 48 and Africa. He was a hot air balloon pilot flying in Anchorage and the Matanuska Valley. His family considered him a gourmet cook and learned to stay out of "his" kitchen.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Gala; brother, Douglas Alan Smythe (Jenny) of Shelton, Wash.; daughter, Kathleen Smythe (Ben) of Blackfoot, Idaho; son, Scott Smythe (Susie) of Anchorage; daughter, Meghan Smythe (Alan) of Anchorage; grandsons, Skylar, Nathan and Justin; three granddaughters, Cheyenne, Aryanna and Sophia; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and great-granddaughter, Brynlie Carver.

Inurnment of ashes will be on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at 3 p.m., at Anchorage Memorial Park in the Moose Lodge section. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, at 5 p.m., at the Anchorage Moose Lodge, 4211 Arctic Boulevard in Anchorage.