Richard Lee Smith, 53, died at home Thursday evening after a courageous year-and-a half battle against colon cancer.

Richard was born Aug. 7, 1950, in Louisville, Ky., to Ray and Geneva Smith. He grew up in Detroit, Mich., where he graduated from high school and then joined the Navy. A few years later, Richard began his 27-year career in civil service as an electronics technician.

While working in Hawaii, Richard met Audrey, and they were married two years later. They have many fond memories of pool parties and friendships during those years. Their son, Michael, was born in 1986. The couple moved to Whidbey Island in 1989 to be near Audrey’s mother, who was ill. They then lived in Okinawa, Japan, for six years, returning to Oak Harbor in 1999 after Richard retired.

Retirement was fulfilling because it gave Richard the opportunity to earn a two-year degree at Skagit Valley Community College and to enjoy the hobbies he loved such as golfing, swimming and gardening. Audrey and Richard attend First Reformed Church of Oak Harbor.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Audrey L. Smith, and son, Michael K. Smith in their home; father Ray Smith in Kentucky; brother and sister-in-law Duane and Dessie Smith in Tennessee; niece Kim Pleasant, her husband Bruce, and their children Josiah, Amber and Elijah in Mill Creek; father-in-law Bill Jones in Clinton; and sister-in-law Barbara Jones in California.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 20, at 3 p.m. in First Reformed Church of Oak Harbor. Flowers are welcome, as are gifts to the American Cancer Society in Richard’s memory.