Larry Smith

Aug 18, 1952 -

Sep 14, 2024

Lifelong Alaskan Larry Lee Smith, 72, of Cooper Landing and Soldotna, Alaska, died on Sept. 14, 2024, at Providence Alaska Medical Center after a long battle with congestive heart failure.

Larry was born in Seward, Alaska, on Aug. 18, 1952, to Sherman "Red" Smith, Jr. and Mardelle Minnette (Shepherd) Smith. Larry lived in a wall tent for a few years along the shores of Kenai Lake while the log homesite was being built. The family settled into the homesteading lifestyle, and all the kids learned to hunt, fish, work and play in the beautiful Cooper Landing area.

Larry attended the one-room schoolhouse in Cooper Landing until eighth grade. Ninth grade was in Petersburg, Alaska, and his final years were at Seward High School, graduating in 1970.

Larry's sense of duty and honor led him to enlist in the Marines during the last Vietnam draft. His father's USMC veteran status influenced his decision, and he served with pride from 1972-1976, with some of those years spent in Japan. His achievements, including the rank of Sergeant and the experience of climbing Mount Fuji, were a source of great pride. He was awarded the National Defensive Medal, Sharp Shooter Medal and Good Conduct Medal, a testament to his dedication and service.

Larry met his lifelong soulmate, Cindy Smith, in early November 1981, while she was working at Gwin's Lodge in Cooper Landing. Larry took Cindy on her first snowmachine ride up Russian Lakes Trail. They immediately had their first argument as to who should wear the single helmet. Cindy won that argument, and it was love at first argument.

In 1982, they married in the log Baptist Church in Cooper Landing, which his dad had helped to build. That same year, Larry and his brother Dan Smith started their construction company, D & L Construction Company Inc. Both brothers were very proud of the quality and diversity of work they performed throughout the state for 42 years.

Nothing meant more to Larry than his love for his children, Michelle, Matthew and Mikala. He enjoyed their swim meets, football games, basketball games, taking them camping on Porcupine Island in Kenai Lake, hunting spruce hen and fishing in Resurrection Bay, Prince William Sound and Kachemak Bay. He was also extremely proud of their many academic achievements.

Larry's final and greatest job in his life was that of grandfather. His five grandchildren, Madelyn, Fletcher, Logan, Freya and Reagan, were the absolute joy of his life. During the last two years, they kept his weakened heart beating. He will be remembered for his love of their big, tight hugs. They called him "Papa," and it was his badge of honor.

Larry is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cynthia (Skapura) Smith; daughter, Michelle (Joseph) Wicker; son, Matthew (Hannah Uher-Koch) Smith; daughter, Mikala (Neil) Fulsang; five grandchildren; brothers, Dan Smith and Tim (Elyse) Smith; sister, Pixie Smith; brother, Clay (Sara) Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A simple outdoor burial service, complete with military honors, will be held at the base of the Cooper Landing Cemetery on Bean Creek Road at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Following this, a remembrance gathering will take place at the Cooper Landing Community Club on Bean Creek Road from 2-4 p.m. All who knew and loved Larry are invited to join us in celebrating his life and legacy.