Verle Marshall Smith was born May 27, 1943, in Lethbridge, Alberta, to Harold Smith and Lena Kostiuk and raised in Los Angeles. He was married to Pamela Harris for 43 years. He died unexpectedly November 27, 2012 at the age of 69.

Verle was a Marine in Vietnam and a Peace Corps volunteer in Sierra Leone. He taught secondary and college math for 41 years in L.A. and Portland. He loved traveling, running, music, cooking, gardening and spending time with family and friends. He was a tireless volunteer for many causes, including the Western Farm Workers Association and the Democratic Party.

He is survived by his wife; son, Sean (Asli) Smith; daughter, Danielle (Guillermo) Ramos; granddaughter, Adissa; father; sister, Gayle Gates; and father-in-law, Luke Harris.

He will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations to: Western Farm Workers Association 503-681-9399. verlesmithmemorial.blogspot.com