I am sad beyond belief to announce that on September 17, 2023, at the age of 71, my beloved husband, George Smith of Price, Utah (formerly of Old Orchard Beach, Maine of the last 23 years) passed away suddenly from a pulmonary embolism with myself and other family members by his side. George was born in Farmingdale, Long Island, New York and moved to Lakewood, California with his family when he was 12.
George was preceded in death by his parents, George Sr. and Marietta Smith of Windham, Maine.
George is survived by his wife, Jeanne (Ardohain) Smith, married since November 6, 1976 and together since October 1974; his sister, Sandy (William) Zajac of Oak Hill, Florida; and his sister, Cheryl (Doug) Albertson of Hauser, Idaho.
George and I met while both working for Zales Jewelers; myself in Whittier, California and George in Lakewood, California in 1974. While at Zales, George dealt with a lot of outside salesmen and quickly decided he wanted to go into outside sales – only high-tech sales. George literally achieved his goal, lastly being a Regional Sales Manager covering a five-state area based in Southern California. As he started to get older, he decided traveling was not something he wanted to continue doing. We lived in Southern California for 24 years (Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Camarillo and lastly Oceanside).
He was offered a position in Maine with Zajac, Inc. in 1996 as a Purchasing Manager where he excelled, as well as dealing with a lot of computer-related issues for the company. He quickly realized that Information Technology was where he wanted to be. He also realized that even with on-the-job experience, that would not be enough; he needed real qualifications. So, we made the decision that he would take a year off to study, pass tests, and receive all the certifications necessary to work in Information Technology. George ultimately achieved his goal of becoming a “Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer”.
After completion, he went to work for Microlife in Biddeford, Maine as their Information Technology Manager for two years; and after that time, Microlife decided to move production to China and headquarters to Chicago. He was offered the opportunity to move to Chicago but declined; instead, he accepted a position with CN Brown Company as Director of Information Technology in South Paris, Maine where he worked his last 15 years until his retirement in May of 2019. As much as we loved Maine, but with having no children or close family there, we decided the best alternative was to move to Price, Utah to the home that my dad (Peter Ardohain) built and lived in with his wife Ruth since 1963. It was something my dad wanted us to do. Ruth was still living and moved to the Heirloom Inn Assisted Living center in Price so that we could move into their home and enjoy our retirement.
George was such a positive and happy person. He lived life to the fullest, except when his retirement was cut short after only four years and three months. George always said the key to a happy retirement was to have hobbies, and he had many. One of his favorite hobbies was leathercrafting and he crafted many gorgeous gun holsters, wallets, and bracelets. George also loved to drive his 2000 Camaro Z28.
In 1975, George went into a 7-Eleven to make a purchase and with the purchase bought this postcard for Jeanne (treasured all these years- still encased in a protective clear envelope displayed on the refrigerator). It has been the most amazing, special life, living it our way.
I would like to thank Mitchell Funeral Home for all their kindness and for taking care of all the arrangements. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Travis C. Engar and the nursing staff who cared for George while at Castleview Hospital.
Per the family’s wishes, there will be no viewing or services.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends and family are welcome daily and may share memories of George online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net