Theodore "Ted" Smith Obituary (1938

Theodore James Smith was born in Bend, Oregon, on September 8th, 1938, to Russell and Christine Smith (Korn). "Ted," as he was known most of his adult life, was the youngest of three siblings: sister, DeLoris VanPaepeghem, and brother, Robert Smith. They relocated to Idaho shortly after his birth (he was 2). The family settled in Meridian, where he attended Meridian High School. While in high school, Ted joined the Naval Reserves and went on to serve two years overseas in the Philippine Islands (MCB-11’s. or Sea Bee’s). While there, he ran a sign shop where his artistic talents began to take form. Ted married Judy Linderer in January of 1962. They resided in the North End of Boise for 30 years, where they raised their two children: Dan Smith (wife Pearl Smith) of Nampa and Dorothy Smith-Day of Little Rock, AR. In 1994, Ted and Judy relocated to Nampa, where he remained until his passing. After managing a Boise Dutch Boy Paints location for 16 years, he started carving as a hobby. Five years later he turned his hobby into a vocation. Ted was interested in creating things at an early age, building a soapbox derby racer, and soon after, a go-kart (having never seen one). Ted went on to build a 31 Ford Roadster, only to find the garage door would have to be removed to get the car out. As an accomplished artist, Ted was a member of Ducks Unlimited, The Peregrine Fund, The Ward Foundation, National Wood Carvers Association, International Wildfowl Carvers Association, and Idaho Woodcarvers Guild. In addition, he founded Grebes Unlimited (social media) and was co-founder of the Idaho Wildlife Art Show (Boise). He also served as an advisor for the Idaho Wood Carvers Guild & the Ellensburg Art Show. He went on to judge wood carving shows in the northwest and Canada as well as the World Wildfowl Carving Championships. Ted’s carvings are a part of many private collections, including the Orenterich Foundation for the Advancement of Science in New York City and the Pautzke Art Collection in Ellensburg, Washington. Other carvings are parts of corporate collections (Albertsons General offices Boise) as well as collections across the US. Ted often befriended many artists and enjoyed mentoring them in the art world. Ted had a love of the outdoors and the wonder of the natural world. His study of the birds he carved showed the many hours of careful study that made him one of the top carvers in the United States. Ted was a devoted husband of 64 years as well as a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending quality time with his children and grandchildren at many types of events, including dance recitals and MANY sporting events. He will be well remembered by his loving wife, two children, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his son, Dan Smith; daughter, Dottie Smith Day; grandchildren: Ryan Day, Anna Day, Erin Day & Carly Day, Dani Jensen (deceased April 19th, 2026), Connor Smith, Jake Smith, and Declan Smith; great-grandchildren: Wes Loren, Kaydence Jensen & Griffin Jensen. Ted fought a courageous battle with colon cancer and was still working in his studio within a week of his passing. Many friends and family have mentioned his upbeat personality and openness to others. He will be missed by many. A celebration of life announcement is forthcoming.