George Paul Smith

George Paul Smith, 95, passed away Saturday, May 13, at Sheyenne Crossings in West Fargo with family at his side.
George was born April 10, 1922 in Minneapolis to F. Paul and Della Smith. He grew up on the family farm and attended Amenia School.
He attended NDSU for one year where he met his wife Elizabeth Ann Piers. Upon the death of his father, he returned to take over operating the farm. Beth Ann and George married in 1944 and this union lasted 73 years until his death.
George was chairman of Rush River Township Board for 35 years, was a member of the Soil Conservation Board, Past Master of Casselton Masonic Lodge, a member of the state Farm Bureau Marketing Committee, past President of Cass County Farm Bureau and Northwest Farm Managers. He was on the board of Fargo National Bank and a member of El Zagel Shrine Temple where he played in the band. He was honored as the North Dakota Outstanding Young Farmer in 1956 and Pioneer of the Year in 1983 in Farm Managers. In his retirement, he worked with SCORE counseling people starting a new business. He also maintained the Kiwanis gum ball route and was a top ticket salesman for the Pancake Feed every winter.
He is survived by his wife, Beth Ann, a sister; Marion Lam and his five children; Karen Rains, Laurie Rott (David), Dana Kroger, Kent (Patricia) and Scott (Deborah); ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, William and son-in-law, Larry Rains.
George spent his free time cultivating friendships, trees, and his land. He loved band music, especially Lawrence Welk, and being of help to others. His patience and loving counsel will be sorely missed by his family and friends.