R.W. “Bud” Smith rode off on his next trail ride 90 years after being born in Panhandle, Texas. During the dustbowl, his family moved to Carbondale, Colorado in 1939 and to La Sal, Utah in 1940. He moved back to Claude, Texas until he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves in 1943 and served in the South Pacific on the U.S.S. Ashland and the U.S.S. Lindenwald . After discharge from the service, he was employed by the U.S. Forest Service in Minturn working on construction projects in Colorado and Wyoming. In 1949 he began a career as an auto mechanic at Berthod Motors later working at Lincicome-Wood and Osborn/Rey Motors. On July 3rd 1949, Bud married Marian Duffy in Glenwood Springs, together they had five children. Bud enjoyed a lifelong passion for horses that began in his childhood coming from a family where his Grandfather ran 4,000 head of horses in West Texas. He rode many trails throughout Western Colorado including Canyon Creek, NoName Creek, Avalanche Creek and the wild horse area near Cameo. Bud’s horses were kept in the pasture near 14th and Blake in Glenwood Springs where they were frequently visited by many. During retirement Bud and Marian enjoyed Square dancing, daily trips to the Hot Springs Pool and many road trips in the Western States with frequent trips to Lake Powell, Tucson, Smith family get-togethers in Laughlin, Nevada and one memorable paddlewheel excursion on the Columbia River. He is survived by his wife Marian, horse Pepper, Daughters Marlyse (John) Cunningham of Crawford CO, Maylinn Smith of Arlee MT, Sons Robert Smith of Cortez CO, and Barry Smith of Gypsum CO along with grandchildren Chandra Carr (Mike), Heather Grant (Kenny), Mike Cunningham (Mandy), Clair Smith (Andres Morales), William Frost and Maranda Frost. Great grandchildren Trenton, Kaleb and Hailey Carr; Colton and Dakota Rounds and Cheyanne Morales; and, siblings Bill, Charles and Sharron. He was preceded in death by his son Roger, siblings Aubra, Margaret, Ed and James. Per Bud’s request there will be not services in his memory. Friends who desire are encouraged to contribute to the Cal Farley’s, P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo TX, 79174; The Armstrong County Museum, P.O. 450, Claude TX; or the charity of your choice.

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