Stephen M. Smith: joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Son, father, grandfather and faithful husband, Steve went to heaven Sept. 28, 2005 to spend eternity with the God he knew so well.

Steve was a loving son: the only child of Ross and Margaret Smith, he was born in San Francisco in 1946, raised in Palo Alto and graduated from San Diego State University in 1969.

Steve was a wonderful father: he often spoke with pride and emotion about his children. He leaves behind one son, Nathan whose wife is April; and three daughters, Lauren, Natalie and Lindsay and her husband Todd and their children. They all loved Steve’s strength and reliability, and the safety of the home he and Norma created for them.

Steve was a tender grandfather — “Papa” is what little William and Rowan called him. Steve’s fondest dreams were of the years he looked forward to spending with them, shaping and enjoying those little ones.

Steve was a passionate and romantic husband: he first wooed Norma Creighton in Pensacola in 1970. She fell in love with this handsome Marine Lieutenant who came to her church as a visitor one day. Their marriage in 1971 was just the beginning of their 34-year love affair. They understood the mystery of marriage — Steve never stopped wooing Norma with notes and acts of kindness. The piano was the voice of Steve’s heart and music the language they most loved. As he headed off to work Thursday, she was more in love than ever with this handsome man who drew her close for what would prove to be their final goodbye kiss.

Steve was a man’s man: football player and fan; U.S. Marine Vietnam veteran with a Distinguished Flying Cross, superb med-evac pilot with more than 8,000 hours flight time. Yet even more than a man’s man, he was God’s man. He knew God the way some of us know our dearest friend. What a celebration there must have been Thursday night when Steve arrived home at heaven’s gate to hear the words: “Well done my good and faithful servant!”

Steve gave life to everyone he encountered: the patients he rescued; the nurses he served; the pilots he led; the friends and family he loved. He was a man whose memory will be treasured and celebrated, and whose legacy will continue in the lives of the many he inspired and mentored.

Services for those wishing to honor his life will be Thursday, Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. at Boeing Field and Friday, 2 p.m., at Whidbey Island’s Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Langley. Remembrances may be given on behalf of Steve’s grandchildren at any Washington Mutual branch in the name of Steve Smith Family Fund.