Lifelong Peshastin resident, John Bruce Smith, 85, passed away December 9, 2010, in Wenatchee. Born March 2, 1925, John grew up on Blewett Pass at the Skookum Dairy, founded by his grandfather. He attended Peshastin schools and graduated from Peshastin High School in 1944. Following graduation, John enlisted in the United States Army. Serving in the Philippines and Japan, he was a proud member of the 11th Airborne Division. He served as Company Barber and also enjoyed exercising General MacArthur's horses, while stationed in Japan. Honorably discharged in 1948, John returned home. Upon his return to Peshastin, John married his high school sweetheart, Bernice Werner, on July 12, 1948. The newlyweds made their home on the family farm and raised three boys. John worked the farm, acting as an owner/operator of Skookum Dairy with his sister, Mary Ellen, until 1967. After selling the cows, he entered into a partnership with Dick Harvey, purchasing Hillcrest Orchards in Peshastin, and he was a member of Peshastin Fruit Grower's Association and Blue Bird Growers until his retirement in 1990. John loved the outdoors, whether at work or at play. He was an avid hunter and loved the companionship and camaraderie shared at many elk camps. He believed "what happens in elk camp, stays in elk camp." He continued living in Peshastin after retirement and enjoyed following his grandchildren's sporting events. From the round table coffee crew at The Big "Y" Cafe;, to all his nieces and nephews who loved seeing "Uncle Johnny", he will be dearly missed by family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Blanche Smith; and a sister, Mary Ellen Harriman. He is survived by his wife, Bernice; two sisters, Verna Kiehn of Peshastin and Susie Waddle and her husband, Don of Burns Lake, British Columbia; his sons and their wives, John and Debin, Warren and Elissa and Ted and Marcia, all of Peshastin; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A Potluck Celebrating Johnny's Life will be held at the Dryden Gun Club on Saturday, December 18, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. Ward's Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth, is in charge of the arrangements.