Bodean "Bo" M. Smith

The mountains called home another guardian of her vast valleys and peaks on October 28, 2023. Bo Smith, 67, of Milton Freewater, OR sadly passed away doing what he loves best, 4-wheeling in the mountains.

Survived by his wife of 45 years, Lori; daughters, Emily (Jody) of College Place, WA, Amy (Tony) of Marysville, WA, Amanda (Ryan) of Athena, OR; grandchildren, Sam, Kelton, Morgan, Fallon, Oliver; bonus grandchildren, Keagen, Raygen and Ella; sisters, Connie (Ron) of North Pole, AK, Tammy (Mike) of LaCenter, WA, Kathy (David) of Woodland, WA; brothers, Ronnie of Athena, OR, Greg (Laura) of Galena, KS, Steven of Anaheim, CA; aunts, Loreta of Burnet, TX, Lola of Central Point, OR; uncles, Rex of Athena, OR, Larry (Melanie) of Coos Bay, OR; sisters-in-law, Jodie of Arlington, OR, Cheryl of Walla Walla, WA; brother-in-law, Dean (Edna) of Milton Freewater, OR; mother-in-law, Bobie of Arlington, OR; several  nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by his grandparents who raised him, Virgil and Mavis; father, James Kootsey; mother, Florence; uncles, Dan, Kenny, JT, Billy Joe; sister-in-law, Darlene.

Bo grew up in Texas, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington, settling in Walla Walla in 1970. He graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1975. He then went on to Walla Walla Community College graduating with his Ag Mechanics degree. He later returned to WWCC for his Computer Science degree. Throughout his life he worked in several areas-logger, log truck driver, Forest Service, diesel mechanic, maintenance, and computers-truly a man of all trades.

Family was always important to Bo. He survived a horrific accident so many years ago because God had bigger plans for him-to meet the love of his life and start a family. As his three daughters were growing up he was always willing to support and help them, and their friends, with any activities they were involved in-skiing, snowboarding, soccer, school band and choir, 4-H, FFA, Wagonettes, Fair Court , and 4-wheeling. As a result many of their friends are considered “adopted” kids, creating many, many long-lasting relationships. They in turn considered him their “adopted” dad, which has become abundantly clear in their outpouring of love and support with Bo’s passing. He was very close to his grandchildren and loved babysitting them. As they began going to school he was always willing to help them in whatever way they needed- transporting to a game or practice, picking them up from school, having them come over to visit, and especially bonding time in the mountains.

Bo never met a stranger and has made many close friends throughout the years. He would strike up a conversation with anyone he met, whether it was about their interests or his passions-faith in God, family, Jeeps, photography, hunting, horses, rodeo, Bigfoot, Iditarod, Star Trek, Star Wars or anything else space related. He especially enjoyed his trip to Florida and the Kennedy Space Center. In his early 4-wheeling days he was known as Rug Rat by his CB handle. He was a member of the 5-point 4 Wheelers 4-wheel drive club, the Backcountry Horsemen, and numerous other organizations. He was currently a member of the Walla Walla Valley Cowboy Church and the Blue Mountain Photo Club.

Bo was a genuine, one-of-a-kind, honest, and Godly man, never judgmental and always willing to give a helping hand when he could. The love and support of his friends and family, far and wide, has shown through in that. He will be missed dearly.

Keep climbing those mountains Bo!

Viewing and visitation will be on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at the Walla Walla Valley Cowboy Church, 8136 Old Highway 12, Walla Walla, WA, with Pastor Ron Alexander officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bodean Smith Memorial Fund through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.