Hadley R. Smith

Hadley R. Smith, “Tate Kici Iyanka Hoksina", (Runs with the Wind Boy), 19 of Woodlake, Benson County, ND died on Monday, May 11, 2015 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Mass of Christian Burial for Hadley will be on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, St. Michael, ND. Fr. Paul Schuster and Fr. John Cavanaugh will celebrate the Mass with private interment at the Howard Smith Ranch. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael’s Church will leave on Friday at 4:00 p.m. from the former Wal-mart. Serving as casket bearers for Hadley will be his uncles, Darrel Smith, Rodney Smith, Terry Smith, Dennis Smith, Rick Smith and Dennis Greywater. Honorary Bearers will be all of Hadley’s many dear friends and relatives, Four Winds High School Class of 2014, basketball teammates from the Four Winds Indians, Woodlake, Dakota Pride and CCCC Wolves teams. Hadley was born on August 1, 1995, the son of Duane and Robin (Herman) Smith at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake, ND. Hadley attended Four Winds Elementary, Sheyenne and St. Joseph’s schools. Hadley graduated from Four Winds High School in May 2014. Hadley grew up on the family ranch in Woodlake, where he learned to ride and break horses, chase cows and brand calves. Hadley worked alongside his brother Riley. Some of Hadley’s best times were spent with Grandpa Howard, cutting grass and gardening, arguing with Grandpa Dan and visiting with Grandma Franky and Grandma Ernie. Hadley also enjoyed spending time with his cousins at the lake and hanging with family and friends. Hadley not only loved being a cowboy but he also had a passion for basketball. He started playing basketball at a very young age. Hadley played on the Woodlake and Dakota Pride traveling teams starting in fourth grade. In high school, he was a point guard for the Four Winds Indians basketball team. In 2012, Hadley was invited to represent North Dakota in the “Down Under” basketball tournament in Australia. In 2013, Hadley and the Four Winds Indians team advanced to the North Dakota State Class B tournament, where they brought home second place. In 2014, he was selected to play in the ND Lions All-Star game. Throughout his basketball career, he earned numerous individual awards. After graduation, Hadley worked with Bill Eckroth in Bismarck learning carpentry. Throughout his life, wherever he went, Hadley loved to meet people and make new friends. Hadley will forever be watching over his family from the beautiful Smith Ranch, a place that he will always call home. May he rest in peace within God’s arms now that he is truly home. Hadley will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched and we, who loved him, will forever miss his bright eyes and dazzling smile. Hadley is survived by his loving family; his parents, Duane and Robin; brother, Riley; grandmothers, Frances Smith and Ernestine Herman, great aunts, Ramona Cannon, Bernice Cavanaugh-John, Janice McKay, Anna Littleghost, Estelle Hennegar, Marceline St. Pierre, Shirley Redroad and Sister Cecilia Smith; great grandpa, Pierre Culbertson; great uncle, Joe (Carol) Herman; god-mother and cousin, Michelle (Lynn) Meyer; god-father and uncle, Boyd Herman; uncles, Darrel (Noreen) Smith, Rodney (Kathy) Smith, Terry (Jane) Smith, Dennis Smith, Rick Smith, Terry Hermanson, Billy Dean Cavanaugh, Sonny White, Jody Luger and Dennis Greywater; Aunts, Debbie (Ron) Sukauskas, Bonnie (Kevin) Hoff, Lisa (Troy) Olson, Emmy Littlewind, Jolene Crosswhite, Jennifer Black, Dixie Omen, ReNa Lohnes, Carol Black and Belinda Murphy; cousins, Holly (Billy) – Mia, Travis (Tana) – May, Jason (Candy) – Dylan and Lexi, Angie (Tim) – Kinsey, Chase and Allie, Amanda (Jeff) – Landon, Levi and Rilynn, Lucas (Missy) – Julian and Cason, Sarah (Jake), Liz (Brady) – Isabel and Eli, Laura (Justin), Tyrus, Olivia, Matt (Jessie), Katie (Luke), Erica, Trent, Lane, Jake, Brody, Mason, Noah, Destri, Madisan and Cianna; Special Friend, Cassidy Saari and Sidekick, JW Azure. Hadley was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Daniel Herman and Howard Smith; great grandparents, Dennis and Susie Cavanaugh, Alex and Mary Pearl Smith, Mike and Olivia Medved, William Herman and Flora Herman Culbertson. Special thanks to the Mercy Hospital staff and especially to the Altru SCCU staff in Grand Forks and to the many friends and relatives that came to visit Hadley in the hospital. Hadley’s family thanks everyone for the prayers and support received during this time.