DONALD L. "DONNIE" SMITH

Donald L. “Donnie” Smith, 51 of rural St. Michael, ND passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at his Mother’s home. Funeral Services for Donnie will be held on Monday, March 14, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fort Totten Recreation Center with Pastor Paul Young and Robert Greywater officiating. Music will be provided by Carol Greywater. Donald (Donnie) Lee Smith began his journey into the afterlife on Sunday, March 6th at his home in Fort Totten, ND. Donnie was born January 31, 1965 in Devils Lake, ND to Delemma Greywater and Darrell Smith. His adventurous spirit showed from a young age when he took an interest in traveling, hitchhiking from North Dakota to Wyoming at the age of 13, eventually making it to California at the age of 16. Travel became easier with his interest in motorcycles, which became a lifelong passion and led to him meeting many friends and took him to motorcycle rallies all over the Dakotas. Donnie had wide-ranging interests that took him on many paths in life. He got his GED in Ogden, UT. He went to Job Corps for small engine repair and plumbing in Clearfield, UT. He went to college for Computer Science at Weber State College in Ogden, UT, transferring to UND-Lake Region and graduating with a degree in Business Computer Operations. He got certification as a Heavy Equipment Operator from the State of North Dakota. Some of the positions he held were a heavy equipment operator for Gratech Construction, as a painter & grounds keeper in Green River, Wyoming, various positions in Tribal Finance for the Spirit Lake Tribe, Water Quality for the Tribal EPA, laborer at DTI, kill floor at the buffalo plant in New Rockford, Supervisor & Safety Technician at Sioux Manufacturing Corporation, maintenance at the Spirit Lake Casino, remodeled houses in Grand Forks & Fargo, a cement laborer in Fargo, and worked putting up grain bins for Becker Construction in Carrington. He also ran the Spirit Lake Riding Stables for a short time, raising pigs and horses. Donnie met the love of his life Betty (Doll) in 1988 and married her at the Sturgis motorcycle rally in SD on August 13, 1993. They had two beautiful daughters Dara and Darcy. Donnie also had four stepchildren Robby, Myra, Reggie, and Ryan Cavanaugh. Donnie had a special relationship with many of his friends and family. He often spent time with his nephew D’Wayne, who never wanted to leave his side, playing cards, dice, dinosaurs and cars. Donnie also cared for his mother, often cooking and helping her with daily activities. Donnie is survived by his mother: Delemma Greywater Father: Darrell Smith Step Mother: Klee Gardiner Smith Special friend: Betty “Doll” Smith Brothers: Sheldon (Brigitte) Greywater, Dustin Smith, and David (Diana) Smith Adopted brother: Wayne Greywater Adopted sister: Elisa (Lee) Greywater Daughters: Dara Smith and Darcy Smith Stepchildren: Robby (Melanie) Cavanaugh, Myra Cavanaugh, Reggie Cavanaugh, and Ryan Cavanagh Goddaughters: Sydney Robertson & BrookeLynn Cavanaugh Many grandchildren, nephews, nieces, aunts, and uncles Preceded in death by: Maternal grandparents: Elizabeth (Jerry) Robertson and Alex Greywater Sr. Maternal brothers: Delvin Greywater & Neil Greywater Paternal Grandparents: Agatha Thompson Smith and Ernest Smith Pallbearers: Marty Greywater, Robby Cavanaugh, Reggie Cavanaugh, Ryan Cavanaugh, Son Littlewind, Kell Littlewind, Frank de la Paz, and Devin Greywater Honorary Pallbearers: Donnie’s many friends and relatives The Smith and Greywater families would like to give a special thank you to Spirit Lake Police Officer LaRon Greywater, the Spirit Lake Ambulance Services, and the Gilbertson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to your local addiction or rehab center.