George W. Smith, I

Just like jumping out of a plane, as only Bud could do, George “Bud” W. Smith, III, jumped out of this world on Leap Day, February, 29th 2012 at the age of 71. He was born on September 11, 1940 in Hysham, MT to George and Catherine Smith. He grew up in Billings, graduating from Billings Senior High School. Bud joined the Air Force and proudly served our country for four years. He worked for Burlington Northern Rail Road for over thirty years in Laurel, MT and Glendive, MT. Bud collected stamps, books and different geological formations. He enjoyed parachuting and photography; he even developed his own pictures. Bud was an avid reader and reveled in sharing philosophical conversations with anyone who was up for the challenge. He cherished time spent with his family, especially nature walks he and his daughters would take together. He had a great sense of humor. Bud was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother, Catherine Smith; daughters he shared with Kay Smith, Kristin Smith and Sara (Brian) Geffre; sisters, Kathy “Dolly” (Jim) Karls and Judy (Archie) Hofferber; grandchildren, Madyson Feuerstein, Tanner and Ayden Klompien, Tate Staebler and Nevaeh Cysewski; nieces and nephews, Jesse, Jason, Jacque, Joshua, Jolene, Valarie and Cory; and several great-nieces and nephews. As he always said, “Love ya, see ya later kiddo.” Service: Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Bud's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at Riverfront Park in Billings, MT.