Dr. Russell (Rusty/Russ) James Smith D.V.M., age 56 of Glasgow, Montana passed away on September 29th, 2015 in Salt Lake City of heart complications. Rusty was born in Columbus, Montana on December 22, 1958. He was the only child to Margot (Mundell) Smith and Clarence James Smith.
He attended school in Red Lodge, Montana until 4th grade. His family then moved to Casper, Wyoming where he graduated from Natrona County High School in 1977. He then attended Casper College for two years and completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wyoming finishing with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1981. He continued on with his education to earn his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University in 1985.
Rusty met Kathleen Ann Farmer in March of 1978, and their 33-year marriage began on June 5, 1982. They were blessed with two sons, Brady James Smith of Salt Lake City and Corey Allen Smith of Bozeman.
Rusty and Kathy moved to Glasgow in June of 1985 to begin their careers, as Rusty’s desire was to work a mixed animal practice in a rural setting. By 1991 he became a partner, later purchasing the Glasgow Veterinary Clinic in 1993. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, served on the Montana Veterinary State Board, and the Wells Fargo Board.
He was very active in the community. He coached his sons in football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He was a supporter of numerous organizations including the Scottie Booster Club, 4-H, Focus on the Family, Montana Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Fort Peck Summer Theatre.
Rusty had a variety of interests including boating, kayaking, hunting, skiing, whitewater rafting, and fishing. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends, dabbling in the stock market, and was a diehard Broncos fan.
He was a loving husband and father. Rusty will be remembered for his kind, caring, and gentle nature. He is preceded in death by his father and grandparents.
Rusty is survived by his mother, Margot Smith of Casper, Wyoming; wife, Kathy Smith of Glasgow, Montana; and sons, Brady Smith of Salt Lake City, Utah and Corey Smith of Bozeman, Montana.
Visitation will take place Friday, October 2nd beginning at 1:00 PM. Family will receive from 4:00 PM till 6:00 PM, with a sharing taking place beginning at 6:00 PM at the Bell Mortuary. Services will be Saturday, October 3rd, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the St. Raphael’s Parish in Glasgow, Montana. Burial will take place at Highland Cemetery.
Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Linda Rees says
I was very saddened to hear of Dr Smith’s passing. He has been my Vet for many years. I lost four dogs in a short period of time and he was so comforting to me. He was such a kind and gentle man. I will really miss him and will miss his smiling face at the greenhouse. My heart goes out to his wife Kathy and his family. Rest in Peace Rusty.
John Beck says
Dr. Smith was a very kind Vet to my Dog, Morning Dawn. Both My Dog and Myself will miss Him. It came as a Shock to me. The Lord took him from us way to soon. R.I.P. Doctor
John Beck
Katherine Jean Lutz says
Dear Rusty,
The childhood memories I have of you, Mary, and me will always serve as a memory of your quiet and kind nature and how sad that I am at your passing. I know that I have to wait until our souls cross again in heaven, however, they will and you will still have that gentle smile. Being your cousin will always be something to be proud of and I wish you God’s peace.
Kathy Lutz (Daughter to Sandra Lutz and niece to Margot Smith).
Russell Menge says
We are so very saddened and shocked to hear of Dr. Smith’s passing. He was such a good man. We wish you God’s peace and healing through this difficult time.
Russell & Bobbi Menge
Donna/Gary Dascher says
A good man! Never gone, just away, until you meet again. He will be missed by thousands of people!!!! None more than his family. My heart aches for you, Kathy, Brady and Corey. You will be in our prayers.
Matthew Greene says
Dr. Smith;
I only knew him as my Family Vet but he was always very polite and understanding if I didn’t understand everything on the first pass. I am truly saddened to here of his passing and I know Spike, Taz, and Fuzzy will miss their doctor as well. I can never think of those right words to say that feel like they portray enough sympathy to the family but know you are in our prayers Dr. Smith.
Matthew and Myriam Greene
Abel and Lisa Guevara says
We were deeply saddened by Dr. Smith’s passing. We knew him only as our vet but found him to be very patient and understanding. He took his personal time one Thanksgiving Day to meet us at the clinic when our pet needed help. I remember having to bring my cat in for a procedure and I was a nervous wreck. I asked Dr. Smith if he had sedation for me as well and he said “yep, the good drugs for kitty and a hammer for you!”. He made me laugh and feel at ease. We are so sorry for your loss and will always remember Dr. Smith for the caring person he was. Prayers for everyone.
Milly & Doug Eggebrecht says
Our Condolences to Dr. Smiths wife and Family! He has been our vet for several years! A very kind man to us and our Fur Babies ! He we be greatly missed by us and every one who knew him!
Dorothea Winkler says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys as you go thru this most difficult time. He must of been an exceptional person to have raised such awesome son like Corey. May God bless you and keep you. With Deepest Sympathy,
The Winkler’s
Dr. Greg Cromer says
It is an honor to call Rusty a friend, colleague, and fellow member of KSU ’85. He was taken too soon and our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends, patients, and clients. We can all try to be more like Rusty — kind, gentle, strong, quick with a smile, slow with a complaint. Dr. Greg Cromer KSU ’85
Evetta Two Bulls says
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Smith’s passing. He was our family’s pets doctor for many years. He was a very kind, understanding and compassionate person. We will miss him greatly.
We are praying for strength and comfort for the family during this difficult time.
Wayne and Evetta Two Bulls
Barbara Padilla says
My condolences to the Smith family. He was an inspiration and bright light to all that knew him. Love, respect and uplifting to the entire staff at the Glasgow Veterinary Clinic.
Marysue Davis says
My thoughts prayers and sorrow goes out to all of you during this difficult time
J Eaton says
To both families-our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you at this most difficult time. May you find peace in your memories.
Walt & Marian Frost says
Thoughts and prayers are with the families during this sad time.
Joseph Celentano says
To both families of Richard and Mary Sue Sudduth, and to Mary Sue’s mother Jane Fetterman Knudsen, we send our most sincere condolences of your tragic loss. Our prayers are with you.
From cousin Joseph (JoJo) and Nancy Celentano, second-cousin to Mary Sue Knudsen Sudduth. Twain Harte, CA
Milly & Doug Eggebrecht says
Connie ! So sorry for the loss of your Sister ! You and your Family are in our Thoughts and Prayers !
Jeff Krohn says
I just saw this about Rusty. So sorry to hear of his passing! I sure enjoyed getting to know this good man as we played city league volleyball together in Glasgow in the 80s.