Patriot Guard and Memorial

 Today was the memorial service for my step-dad, Steve. 

Stephen Edward Smith, 66, of Longview passed away May 18, 2015, surrounded by family.
He was born Feb. 3, 1949, in Longview. He was the son of Delmer and Eleanor Smith and the brother of Charles, Ronald, Gary and Theressa Smith.
Steve is survived by a child; two beloved stepchildren; five grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other extended family members.
He graduated from Mark Morris High School in 1967 and lived in the Longview area his entire life. He was an Army veteran and served as a sergeant in Vietnam, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart and an Air Medal, having more than 100 helicopter insertions into enemy territory.
Steve worked for Weyerhaeuser Co. for 42 years. He was a machinist for a number of years before moving to the pulp and paper division, from where he retired in 2011.
Steve enjoyed rock collecting and spending time at the family lot in Ocean Park. In his younger years he enjoyed off-roading, motorcycle riding and working on cars. He possessed an easygoing personality with a nearly endless ability to trust in those around him.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Smith; his grandmother, Ida Sims; and an uncle, Carol Pritchard.
A memorial service, including a potluck, is planned from 2 to 5 p.m. June 28 at the AWPPW Hall in Longview.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Dahl-McVicker Funeral Home.

 Tim put together a great memorial service to honor his life.  He arranged to have the Patriot Guards escort him to the service with his ashes.  I video taped the whole ride but will just share a clip of the end of the ride.

 Here the patriot guards escort Tim and the ashes to the front.

 The presentation of the flag.

 During this time Sage played Taps on the trumpet.

 Tim was presented with the flag which was given to our younger brother Shawn.

Afterwards we took a picture of us siblings.