Vance Mathew Smith, 54, most recently of Costa Mesa, California, unexpectedly passed away on June 3, 2014, from cardiac failure. He was born in Massena, New York, on June 19, 1959, to Donald and the late Jane Smith.
Vance graduated from Massena Central High School in 1977. He served in the U.S. Army from 1978 to 1982, having earned the rank of sergeant while stationed at Fort Richardson in Anchorage. He served as a paratrooper, which began his love of the Alaskan wilderness. Vance married Tammy (Tentinger) Smith, from Avoca, Minnesota, on June 18, 1983.
After first working for Samson Hardware from 1982 to 1986, Vance became a journeyman plumber in 1990 with the United Association Local Union 375 Plumbers & Pipefitters. He worked throughout Alaska in some of the harshest conditions and most remote villages. Vance spent the last 12 years of his career, before retiring in 2012, working on the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. Vance enjoyed the many crews he worked with and was proud of the union work he did.
Vance was a man's man, with a great sense of humor and a kind heart, always willing to help a friend.
He was a wonderful athlete who enjoyed playing golf, hockey, rugby and basketball in the Fairbanks leagues. When he was not working or watching his favorite New York Giants, he could be found reading one of his many, many books.
Vance's true commitment was to his family. He enjoyed being the oldest brother of eight siblings. More than anything he loved being with his girls. The family trips, board games and dinners together sustained Vance during his times away from home.
Vance was so proud to have had the chance to walk his daughter, Alyssa, down the aisle just one year ago and to help his daughter, Caitlin, with her move to Seattle in May.
Vance is survived by his daughter, Alyssa Michelle Kerr; her husband, Tanner, and stepson, Toby; his daughter, Caitlin Marjorie Smith; his former wife and life-long friend, Tammy Smith; his father, Donald Francis Smith; his siblings, Valerie, Victor, Vincent, Vernon, Varick, Veronica, and Vergil. He has numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews across the country.
A small family service was held in Costa Mesa, California, on June 6, 2014, and a funeral mass was held on June 11 in Massena, New York, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at Zion Lutheran, 2982 Davis Road in Fairbanks.
Contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to Hospice of Fairbanks. Cards may be sent to 4201 York Ave., Fairbanks, Alaska 99709. -