Rest In Peace, Roland Burton Smith. Great-grandfather, grandfather, father, brother, husband and much more than that.
He died this afternoon at 5:55 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time at the Caribou Memorial Living Center.
When we got there earlier today his breathing was quite labored. They checked his vitals around 1 pm and found that his heart rate was very high and quite erratic. Further, blood was pooling in his extremities, which pretty much explained his situation: his heart was not pumping the blood very efficiently. Consequently, his heart was beating as hard as it could trying to overcome the poor heart function. Meanwhile, his breathing was very labored as he was trying to get more oxygen into his body. The nurse said that the end was quite near and would probably happen within the day.
A couple of hours later he slipped away. Nina was at his bedside when he died.
Mother is doing very well. Right now for her it is a big relief. We’ll take turns staying at the house through the end of the week so that mother isn’t alone.
The funeral is tentatively planned for Saturday, August 8th at 11:00 am at the Hooper LDS Church in Soda Springs. There will be a viewing on Friday night and another one on Saturday before the funeral. Interment will be in the Cleveland Cemetery.
i know, roland, that you loved your father best. he was cherished, honored, and created a beautiful family. i am very sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you, your mother and all your extended family.
i am sending peace and love and light.
– jen
I’m so sorry. Sending good karma your way.
Sorry to hear this, Roland – You have our sympathies.
God Bless you and yours during this sad time. You are in my thoughts.
LaVaughn
Roland — What a great obit! Your parents were great servants of the Lord. In addition, your Dad served his country during WWll. May this bring peace to your Mom and to the family. Our prayers continue to be with you and your family.