William Smith

William C. "Bill" Smith, age 82 of Duluth and McAllen, TX died Friday, August 24, 2012 at his home.

Bill was born on March 7, 1930. He was a graduate of Central High School and the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He served in the USAF during the Korean War, and remained in the USAFR attaining the rank of LT. Col. He married Joan Judeen on December 27, 1951. He was the prime developer of the Mount Royal Shopping Center and Apartment Complex. Bill and his wife, Joan operated a fly-in fishing and hunting lodge in Canada for 25 years. He operated businesses in TX, CO, and N.M. He was a commercial pilot for over 60 years, engaging in charter, corporate and bush flying. He held the highest aircraft ratinga�"Airline Transport and had thousands of hours of flight time.

He was an avid athlete, competing in running, downhill and cross-country skiing, (including Birkebeiner) and has many first place awards to his credit.

Bill was a past commander of an Air Force Flight School and the Civil Air Patrol. He was a senior member of the National Ski Patrol, President of the Duluth Apartment Owners Assn, Member of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the Kitchi Gammi Club, Military Officers Assn, Airline Pilot's Assn., Aopa, Spa, Silver Wings Society, and numerous other organizations.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, a daughter, Darcy (Richard Hillmer) Smith of Salem, OR, a son Bradford of Ontario, Canada, and three grandchildren, Emily, Sarah, and Luke, and longtime friend, Rob Helfrich.

Visitation: 1pm Sunday, September 2, 2012 until the 2 pm funeral service at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 East Second Street, Duluth. Military Honors by the Combined Duluth Honor Guard. Private family burial will take place at Park Hill Cemetery, Duluth. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home (218) 727-3555.