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Alan Wayne Smith was born Jan. 8, 1967 to Warren and Shirley Smith of Careywood, Idaho.

He was a “tag-a-long” baby, the last of their children. He was a bright little boy, learning quickly from all his older brothers and sisters. He was much loved by all his siblings.

As Alan was growing up, he was especially close to his Dad. Warren wasn’t working away as much by then and had more time to spend with Alan. They worked on cars together, cut firewood and many other things.

After his Dad died in 1988, Alan took seriously the job of taking care of his Mom. He fixed her car and everything else that needed fixing, but mostly he was just there for her.

Since Alan was so much younger than his siblings, he grew up with his nephew, Bart, only five years younger than he was. They were more like brothers than uncle and nephew. They became very close, spending many hours together reading and laughing with their Pat McManus books, among many other things. When they were very young they would “camp out” on the living room floor with sleeping bags and tents made of blankets.

Alan grew up in Sunday School and church. Early on he gave his heart to Jesus. Sig Jensen was an important person in shaping Alan’s spiritual life for God, giving him a solid foundation to build on for the rest of his life.

Alan attended both Southside Christian School and Sandpoint High. In 1985, he joined the U.S. Army. After his siblings labeled him a professional student, he graduated college. He was a mechanic, he worked as a rural mail carrier, at Thorne warehouse in Sandpoint, as teacher at the Christian school The House of the Lord in Oldtown, and his last job a teacher for 3rd grade in Jerome Idaho.

Alan loved music. He played guitar, wrote songs and sang beautifully.

Alan waited 46 years to find just the right woman to marry. In 2013 he married the love of his life, Necie Pampolina Tipan. The five and a half years they spent together were the happiest of his life.

Alan was a Godly man, never wavering in his faith. His message to all was and always will be, “Give your heart to Jesus, it will be the most important decision you will ever make.”

In summary of Alan’s life, he was a quiet man of deep faith, speaking only when he had something to say. He was extremely practical, logical and humble. He was kind and generous.

Utmost in his life was his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus, and lived his life accordingly. On March 16, 2019, with his family surrounding him, Jesus welcomed Alan Home with “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Alan’s death was caused by complications from cancer, stroke and kidney failure.

Alan is preceded in death by: Father, Warren; baby brother Bart; brother Mike, and niece Winona. Surviving are his: Wife, Necie; Mother Shirley; Brothers: Bert and Joe; Sisters: Becky, Bette, Rita and Ladonna; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Athol Baptist Church, Athol, Idaho, on April 20 at 11 am.

A lunch will be served immediately following the service. All are welcome.