Byron W. “Tiny” Smith

TOWNSHIP OF PACIFIC  /  PORTAGE –  Byron W. “Tiny” Smith, age 84, of the Township of Pacific, passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at The Residences on Forest Lane in Montello.

Byron Smith was born on May 13, 1928 in Pardeeville, the son of Clinton and Florence (Trimble) Smith.  He had worked as a heavy equipment operator for Icke Construction in Madison and Straight Arrow Construction in Cottage Grove, and was a proud member of Operating Engineers Local 139.  Most recently, Byron worked for Adessa in Portage.  He was married to Ethel Jewell Gifford on April 13, 1979 in Lodi.  Byron was a member of the Portage United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Ethel Jewell Gifford Smith;  two daughters, Jennie (David) Dumbleton, Portage, and Linda (Jim) Mueller, Waunakee;  his step-children, Mike (Suzanne) Gifford, Kenosha, Brian Gifford, Stevens Point, and Susan (Jodi Ihde) Gifford, Eau Claire;  special grandchildren, Cara M. Gifford and Ryan C. Gifford;  his grandchildren, Kyle (Shana) Dumbleton, Sadie Dumbleton, Ian (Valerie) Dumbleton, Jordan Mueller (fiancé, Kristin Busacker), and Hannah Mueller;  three great-grandchildren, Jules, Remi, and Owen;  his brother, Clinton (Sylvia) Smith, Waupun;  other relatives and many close friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Ardis Robarge.

Funeral services will be at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 4, 2013 at Portage United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Tom Countryman officiating.  Private inurnment will be at a later date.  Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Byron’s name.