Douglas Smith

Douglas LeeRoy Smith, age 60, of Chisago City, MN, died suddenly on March 25, 2009. Douglas was born May 6, 1948 in St. Croix Falls, WI and was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Chisago City, MN.


Douglas grew up on the family farm in rural Chisago City and later built his own home across the road. He attended school in Chisago City. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969.


Douglas was married to and later divorced from Judy Ward. From this union, three children were born: Tina, Tanya and Jason. Following his military service, Doug hauled feeder pigs and worked for various trucking firms, and also helped occasionally with field work on his sister and brother-in-law’s farm.


During Doug’s spare time, he enjoyed horseback riding, camping, horse show competitions and other activities with his saddle club.


Douglas owned a small hobby farm, often nicknamed, "Old McDouglas' Farm."  He enjoyed all of his horses and exotic animals. He and Joyce, his “Lady Friend” of 9 years, enjoyed attending exotic animal and other types of auctions, horse shows and small plane events. His grandchildren were the “light of his life.” He may have had a rough exterior; but he also had a heart of gold.


Douglas is preceded in death by his mother, Verla Smith and his brother, Randy Smith.


He is survived by his special friend, Joyce Gustafson; father, Clarence; children, Tina, Jason and Tanya; grandchildren, Eaun, Caleb and Kiah; sister, Diane (Nick) Buehring; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.