Ric Bruce Smith 53, died Sunday July 6th of complications related to a long battle with Leukemia. Ric was born February 1, 1955 in Seattle WA to Bruce and Joleen Smith. Ric was also raised in Seattle WA and graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1973. Ric spent his twenties traveling the world and building a successful parasailing business in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. “Paradise Parasail” is also run out of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. In his 30’s he met his soul mate Dorae, “little one” as he so affectionately called her, and they were married in 1991 at sunset on the beach in Guam. The perfect pair made their primary home in Fort Myers Beach and spent their summer’s in The Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri running their parasailing business. They also enjoyed traveling the U.S. in their motor home and continued traveling the world as Ric had made this one of his life’s goals. Ric was a passionate man who loved God, his wife, his family, his friends and of course his two dogs, Hooch (R.I.P) and Mogie. All those who knew Ric would say that he could fill a room with joy and laughter within moments and could and would always find the best in every situation - a true optimist! Ric loved his work but he also understood the importance of fun. Skiing, golfing with his dad, traveling, movies, eating, and just spending time with the ones he loved were some of his favorite past times. Ric will be deeply missed by many and in our hearts forever. Ric is survived by his wife Dorae Smith, his parents Bruce and Joleen Smith, his sisters Toni, Stacy and Susan, his father and mother-in-law Shirley and Edward Aguon, his brother’s and sister-in-law Ward, Jim, Derek and Beverly, and his fun loving dog Mogie. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. A Memorial service will be held in Fort Myers Beach, Florida on Mon July 21, 2008.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
1st Christian Church of Ft. Myers, (missions)
2061 McGregor Blvd.
Ft. Myers, Florida 33901
