Eddy O., age 66 passed away suddenly on Friday, April 21, 2017 in Billings, MT.
Edward Orval Smith, Sr. was born on June 14, 1950 to William “Buck” and Louise Three Stars Smith in Poplar, MT.
Eddy began school and graduated from Poplar High School in May 1969. He went on to attend Haskell Indian Nations Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas, graduating in 1971 with a degree in carpentry.
In high school he participated in basketball, track and football. He was on the 1967-68 basketball team with Coach Mike Granbois when they were conference champs.
He began working for the Irrigation Dept. when he returned from Haskell, working there until 1975 when he began work with Tribal Enterprise, where he worked up to the time of his passing. He worked for Enterprise for 42 years along side his sidekick Richard Young.
Eddy was affectionately teased about being the “gravedigger”. He was the best damn heavy equipment operator who could operate a backhoe with his eyes closed, as he used to say.
In 1973 his first child, a daughter, Carrie Smith Pribbernow was born.
In 1978 he met Connie Crowe and in January 1979 they were married at the Lindsey Memorial Presbyterian Church in Poplar, In December, 1980 their first son, Eddy, Jr. was born, followed by another son, Dustin, in January 1985.
Eddy began bowling in the early 1970’s, joining a league at the VFW Club in Wolf Point. Throughout his bowling days, he won many places in tournaments alongside his sister Edna, his brother Mike, sister-in-law Lovena and wife Connie. Never missing a year of the BIA Bowling tournaments in Billings, MT and Aberdeen, South Dakota.
After his bowling days he began shooting pool in league play on Wednesdays where he was a damn good player in his own right. Playing on teams with his co-worker brothers.
In his younger days you could always find him down by the river fishing with his boys and nephews, teaching his nephew Darren how to fish. Eddy was always game to go on a hunt too. Going across the river with uncle Archie, Donovan and Dennis, son Eddy and brother Paul.
He always enjoyed sharing his fishing spoils with friends Elmer and Kristie DeCoteau at a weekend fish fry.
Through the years, the Smiths hosted many outdoor barbecues attended by many of their friends and co-workers.
Eddy was an avid Boston Celtics Basketball and New England Patriots football teams fan, enjoying the games with his boys and mother-in-law Bette.
We would like to acknowledge all his co-workers and friends he has worked alongside throughout his long Enterprise career, not only were they co-workers and friends but brothers to Eddy as well. We cannot forget his sis Tina Magnan.
Eddy is preceded in death by his Dad, Buck Smith; maternal grandparents Paul and Sarah Three Stars; paternal grandparents Eddy and Anna Smith; maternal uncles Harry Three Stars, Alonzo “Pugg” Three Stars and Pete Three Stars; paternal aunts June Smith and Iva Trinder; paternal uncles Howard “Sol” Grainger, Ray Smith, Orval Grainger, Mick Smith and Dutch Grainger; mother-in-law Bette Iron Ring and father-in-law Nelson Crowe.
Eddy is survived by wife Connie; sons Eddy, Jr., and Dustin, Sr. (Butterfly); daughter Carrie (Travis) Pribbernow; mother Louise Smith; brothers Mike (Lovena) Smith and children, Stephanie and Sarah and their children of Wahpeton, ND; Paul (Corina) Smith and their children Taureen, Miya, Maverick and Reagan and their children; also Mandy and Jessica Granbois; sister Edna (Larry) Wetsit and their daughter Stacie Smith and her children.
Eddy leaves behind his grandchildren Whitley Smith, Aiesha Smith, Tyler, Travis, Jr., and Anna Louise Pribbernow and Dustin’s sons, Dustin Jr. and Dillinger Cain Smith.
He leaves behind many brother co-workers, friends, nieces, nephews and grandchildren; sisters-in-law Delores Crowe and family and Dolly Crowe and sons; father-in-law Cyril Iron Ring; many maternal and paternal cousins living in and out of state. If we have omitted anyone, we apologize at this very difficult time.
Eddy O., you left a big impact on a lot of people with your kind and gentle demeanor, daily waves and handouts to the man on the street. You are loved and will be missed immediately. Until we all meet again, “see ya’ later brother”, journey well into the arms of the angels.
A wake will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center in Poplar, MT. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at the family cemetery in Riverside, MT. Condolences for the family may be left at www.claytonstevensonchapel.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Thursday April 27, 2017
Poplar Cultural Center
Poplar, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Thursday April 27, 2017
Poplar Cultural Center
Poplar, Montana 59255
Donald Lee Boyd says
R.I.P.
Prayers Sent To Family…
larry Steven Reinlasoder says
Go with God my friend. We made some good memories together
John, Elisa and Chaske' Dupree says
Rest in peace, Eddy. God bless you and comfort your family.
Mary Lu says
Aunt Louise and Family your are in my prayers Eddie was a Crazy ,caring person I have many funny memories when I was younger that I keep dear to me. God has lovingly embraced Eddie in his arms takin him to be with all the family that had gone before him. Eddie will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Donna Black Dog says
MY CONDOLSCENCES AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY OF EDDY SMITH SR. I PRAY FOR PEACE, AND COMFORT AT THIS SAD TIME. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL THAT KNEW HIM.
Helen Bighorn says
Connie, Louise, Edna, family Members and friends,
Prayers of comfort and strength to Eddy O’s loved ones. He will be missed by the many who knew him, the Enterprise Crew will never be the same. “Rest in Peace Eddy O”.
Bettie Szymanski says
I am sorry for your lost, as close as our families are and to loose our love ones just a few hours apart. May God bless your family during this time. My prayers will you. May Eddie rest in peace.
Yvonne & Caleb Shields says
REST IN PEACE EDDY, WE’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AS A HARD WORKER AND ALWAYS WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE. PRAYERS TO CONNIE AND FAMILY. RIP
Roger & Davetta Marchant says
Louise and family. our prayers go out to you at this time for your loss. Eddie was one of our favorites, always in a good mood and smiling. At times while working for Enterprise and helping out with our well problems, he always went the little extra to get things done. He will certainly be missed! May he rest in peace.
Chuck Trinder says
Rest in peace Cousin Eddie. I will always remember you as a gentle man and friend.
John Michael Olson says
I have always enjoyed Eddie’s friendship and the visits we had and the laughs we shared. He will not be forgotten. Sending up prayers for him and his family.
Veda Azure (LaRoche) says
Connie and boys, Carrie, I am so sorry to hear about Eddie have many memories of him, My prayers are with you . May God Bless all of you at this time of need.
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
We will miss him and his gentle teasing ways. A kind man who always lent a helping hand to those who needed it. May the Lord bless the family with joyful memories during this hard time of saying goodbye and may the Angels of Paradise welcome our Friend home with praise for his work on Earth while he was here.
Geoff Hagadone says
What can I say Eddy? I guess it’s farewell until we meet again some day. I have so many memories with you. The barbeques, the hunting trips, the bowling tournament, and many evenings enjoyed at your home in Riverside. One hunting trip was most memorable. You shot a nice deer on your dad’s birthday with your dad’s rifle. R.I.P. until we meet again my friend.
Wayne & Evetta Two Bulls says
Sending our heartfelt condolence to the Smith family. Prayers for comfort and strength during this most sad and difficult time.
George & Brenda Eder says
Prayers and Condolences sent to your family during this difficult time.
We will always remember Eddy he always had a smile on his face no matter where and when it was.
Susie Hanson says
Eddy was my high school classmate. He was always gentle and kind. I enjoyed his personality and cheerful outlook on life. At a time when others in our class seemed to focus on popularity and status, I always knew Eddy was just Eddy. He was sincere and respectful to all. As the years passed, every time I saw Eddy he extended a smile, a cheerful word, or a friendly wave. He will surely be missed. We should all take a lesson on life from Eddy. My sincere and heartfelt condolences are extended to all of his family and friends.
Shari Daniels says
Sincere condolences to the whole family.
Curley Youpee says
We extend our condolences to the family of Eddy O. Smith. Eddy’s help was never ending, he was quite an unique person in that he didn’t have a craving for immortality. He did however, like to tease and make light of an uncollectible situation by making those around him laugh right through it. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Eddy’s family as they struggle through the grief and sadness…..they are in our thoughts and prayers. Farewell Eddy, journey freely.
Terry Lindsay-Barron says
My deepest concolences to the Smith family. Always remember the good days we had when we all bowled together, that was the most memorable years. RIP Eddie, you will be be greatly missed.
Cary Steele Williams says
Condolences to the whole family. Thinking about you. Sending hugs and prayers.
The Steele and Williams family
Lois, Hunter, Ona, Sabi, Jasi, Rocky, Brooklyn, Chance, Mike and Cary
Greg Carter says
Condolences to Eddies family and his many friends, He will always be a good friend to me. Later on Eddie.
Gay & Brian Pennington says
Connie & Family…. I’M so sorry too hear about Eddie. You have my Deepest Sympathy and my Prayer’s. Eddie always would give me bad time and I’ll treasure that as it was fun trying too get him back too… I’ll miss his smiling face too.. Connie you are a good friend and a classmate I enjoy knowing in school. I miss you all back in Poplar and we will see each other again soon… May God Bless you and your family… Eddie Rest In Peace……Gay (Paulson) Pennington
Tom Hagadone says
Louise and family of Eddie. My thoughts and prayers are shared with you upon learning of the passing of Eddie. My memory goes way back to when we lived across the alley from each other in Poplar in the early 50’s. You invited me to many a breakfast with Mike and Eddie in your house and then we played outside together. The boys were my first friends as a kid outside of relatives. Eddie was always a teasing and fun person which began as a child. You and Buck did a great job in raising your family and you all will be remembered by me forever. Speaking of Buck! What a roper he was at brandings along with Orville. Peace be to all of you.