Richard Lloyd Smith

Richard Lloyd Smith, 73, passed away in Tacoma, WA on September 26, 2023. He was born October 17, 1949. He was a resident of Tacoma all of his life.

Richard was married to his loving wife Linda Kay for 30 years.

Richard graduated Lincoln High School in 1967 and PLU in1977 with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. He served in the Airforce reserves from February 1969 until December 22, 1974 as Administration Specialist because his typing and writing skills were impeccable. He retired from the Social Security Department as a Customer Service Representative and received many awards and accolades; as he loved his job and the friends he made there. Through his high school years, he worked for Dr. Pinkney at his veterinary clinic on S. Tacoma Way, where he developed his love for animals. He loved gardening as he spent his youth gardening and learning from his adored grandfather. During his retirement he spent countless hours on his ancestry account connecting with family through email and phone calls, connecting to his past and present. He talked endlessly of his childhood as he was surrounded by his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins growing up. He especially loved his Uncle Mike. He belonged to the National Pigeon Association. He loved to sit on his back patio, watching the homing pigeons he kept, the squirrels and birds he fed and nurtured in his back yard, as well as the numerous dogs we owned throughout the years. Betty, Barney, Andrew, Heidi, Annie, Katy Kitty, and especially Pippa Jean our little Yorkie Terrier, rescued at 11 years. She slept next to us every night since she came to us. He called her his Angel sent from above. Richard was always a gentleman, a man of great character and cherished by his friends, family, and grandchildren. His dry wit and jokes will be missed by all as well as the spicy green beans he canned and his perfect peach pie.

Richard was proceeded in death by his mother Florence and father Lloyd Smith. His sister Judy Ann Hedstrom. Richard is survived by his adoring wife Linda Kay and loving dog Pippa Jean. Daughter Kaisa Kuykendall (Scott) and four grandchildren, stepsons, John McMasters Jr. (special daughter Lindsey, adored granddaughter Haley Maree and grandson JB3, Kenneth McMasters (April), granddaughters Sierra and Soren, Scott McMasters (Jackie).

At his request, there will be a private service at Calvary Cemetery on Tuesday, October 10. He will be laid to rest next to his parents and family.

Rest easy sweet Rico. You will be missed by many, especially Linda Kay and Pippa Jean.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association or your local rescue or The Humane Society.