Kevin Lee Smith

Kevin Lee Smith entered eternal life on April 9, 2025. Kevin was born in Amarillo, Tx, on May 27, 1956, to Shayle and Betty Smith. He beat his identical twin brother out of the womb to escape his torment for 20 minutes, until Kenneth (“Kenny”) rejoined him. Kevin and Kenny were inseparable while they grew up, even having the same group of friends. An older brother, Rick, rounded out the family. The family moved to Wichita, KS, in 1962, as Kevin’s father’s career advanced. A younger brother, Stewart, was born later that year. Kevin’s formative years would be spent in Wichita where he attended school and participated in sports and outdoor activities. He graduated from Wichita Heights High School in 1975 and received a scholarship to play tennis at Kansas Newman College. Kevin’s parents separated when Kevin was in High School and would soon divorce. During that time, Kevin, along with Kenny, stepped in and helped their younger brother along, even coaching his little league baseball team. Kevin attended Kansas Newman for a couple of years before beginning full time work taking care of golf courses which ignited Kevin’s passion. Kevin began his golf course career at Pawnee Prairie Golf Course, one of Wichita’s municipal golf courses. He worked at Pawnee Prairie until 1981 and then joined Kenny at Overlake Golf and Country Club in Medina, Washington. Kevin attended Washington State University to study turf management before becoming an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Overlake. Kevin worked completing Echo Falls Golf Course near Maltby, Washington, where he was hired as the Superintendent in 1991. After that course was up and running, Kevin was off to Desert Canyon Golf Resort, near Orondo, WA, in 1994, for the final touches and grow-in. Kevin served as Superintendent at Desert Canyon for many years, accompanied by his blind Labrador Retriever, Tank. After Tank passed, another Labrador, Tator-Tot, joined him on the course. In 2007, Kevin became Superintendent at Lakeview Golf and Country Club in Soap Lake, WA, and worked in that position until his illness. Kevin had a reputation for creating award-winning greens with much smaller budgets than more affluent golf clubs. Kevin was so much more than his work. He loved to hunt growing up in Kansas and also became a skilled bass fisherman. He emphasized fishing in Washington, as he sought sockeye, steelhead, and bass. It was bass fishing Kevin truly loved, and he would take frequent trips to Potholes, Banks Lake, and Lake Roosevelt with his bass boat. His brothers and friends treasured opportunities to be out there with him and observe the master at work. Kevin was a kind-hearted person who had much compassion and empathy for others. He had a common-sense approach to life. He was a good and loyal friend and had a keen interest in others’ happiness and well-being. He made friends easily and, though he had an in-depth understanding of current events, would never allow politics or religion to intrude on any friendship. Kevin is survived by his two brothers: Kenny of Ft. Collins, CO, and Stewart (Amy) of East Wenatchee, WA, and his close friend, Jovie Smith. He has joined his older brother, Rick; mother, Betty; and father, Shayle, in Heaven. Kevin is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Thea, Julian, Vera, Chris (Jessica), Sarah (Mike), Parker, Dorian, and Peyton. He is also loved by three great-nephews: Caden, Ricky, and Joe, and two great-nieces, McKaylan and Collins. Professional services have been provided by Precht Rose Chapel where a complete remembrance can be seen at https://www.prechtrose.com/obituaries/ . Memorial gifts may be made to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center or Seattle Children’s Hospital.

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Kevin Lee Smith

May 27, 1956 - April 9, 2025