Robert Leslie Smith
Bob Smith was born October 19, 1946 in Eugene, Oregon to Delbert and Wanda (Wood) Smith.
He lived his whole life in the Eugene-Springfield-Coburg area, graduating from South Eugene High School in 1964. He then went into the army, serving in Viet Nam from 66-68. Bob got an Associates Degree from Lane Community College in Electrical Technology, but most people probably know him as owner of Foreign Parts 
West Auto Wrecking (1978-90) and Foreign Parts West Auto Body (1990-2010). He married Gail Boyum June 7, 1980 in Lake Tahoe, and together they made a beautiful little family.
Bob unfortunately came down with cancer. A living celebration of his life was held April 24, 2010 at Bob and Gail’s home and well over a hundred of their friends came to share their love and say good-bye. It was a very touching a dear time and Bob loved it.
On July 15, 2010 Bob left us. He leaves behind his dear wife Gail; their son Kelly Gene Smith and his wife Tristen, of Eugene; their daughter Tracy Gail (Smith) Dupuis and her husband Joel, of Independence, Oregon and Bob’s sister Carol Smith of Elmira, Oregon. Their much-anticipated first grandchild, Trinity Elizabeth Dupuis is due in September, 2010.
Bob’s ashes will be placed in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Coburg. Those wishing to honor him may make financial contributions to the Willamette Valley Cancer, 520 Country Club Road, Eugene OR 97401.
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Gail, Kelly, Tracy and Others. This marks a sad day but the beginign of a new legacy. We can all begin to tell the stories and share the memories that will grow larger than the heart that Bob shared. He was a truly unique person we all have grown to love, respect and cherish. May our families learn from his lessons, pass on his stories and never forget what he stood for and belived in for that is what makes this country the greatest to live in. It was his passion to watch our world unfold and he will be doing that so lest give him the show he deserves. My heart and soul ache for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are of you and for your strength. D
My heartfelt condolences to the dear Smith family. Bob’s spirit looms large in my life because of Tobin’s connection to him. Bob was such an important teacher in Tobin’s life and I’ve always been grateful for that. What a good man he was. My heart goes out to you all in your tremendous loss.
Warmly,
Cindy Manning
Bobby was a very kind, caring and good hearted man. He watched our boys grow up and was always there to offer good advice. I looked at bob more then a friend, he was like family to us. You will never meet anyone like him, he is one of a kind. I know he is looking down on us and will help me make good choices in life. Bryce and Tegun say bob is the brightest star in the sky, that’s heaven. He will be missed by us all. So my friend i’ll see you in the next life. Love the Burt family
Dear Gail, Kelly, Tracy, and family,
Oh..I still can’t believe Bob is gone. I am so thankful to have met him and had a chance over the last few years to get to know him and all of you. Bob was an amazing man, with great dignity and hope he has lived these last few years enjoying every day. Love you all so much! Susan
Lovely article…accurate sentiment…love to Gail and family!
In my 41 years of law practice, I never had a client who was so consistently upbeat as Bob. His diagnosis didn’t seem to make any difference. Bob was like a ray of sunshine, and even when we were discussing real problems, he was always smiling and in good humor. He made everyone he touched feel better and he’ll be sorely missed.
Gail, Kelly, Tristen, Tracy, Joel & Trinity Elizabeth:
it was an absolute honor to know Bobby! He was, by far, the most knowledgeable, kindest, loving, easy going man I’ve ever met! I can honestly say I truly enjoyed spending time with him over the years! Whether we were going to the races, sitting by the fire, watching a movie, he made every experience the best!
Bobby has been a true inspiration through this entire endeavor, never complaining, always smiling! I hope you all find comfort during this very difficult time.
“Oh Dear”, Bobby…I know you enjoyed this ride! I hope your next “adventure” is as great as this one was for you! I can picture you up above watching us all with that huge smile you’ve always had!
We love you all!
A fond and loving farwell to my Favorite brother, Bobby. I’ll sure be thinking of you and miss you on the birth date that we share.
What an adventure we’ve had up to now.
May we meet when the time is right, laughing and full of joy, on the other side!
Bob, you were the coolest “Car Dude” I have ever met. I enjoyed those times when I would call you over the years and ask if you had anything fun out in the back 40 to sell me.
You’d ask, “And it has to have a four speed, right?”
And I would say “But of course!”.
I’m enjoying the Trans Am, sir. You did a great job on the front and rear bumpers. This car will be with me a long time.
They always say that with life comes regrets. One of mine is that I did not get to know you better than I did.
To Gail, Kelly and Tracy,
I am so sorry for your loss. Words are always so inadequate during these times. Stay strong and know that you have been and will continue to be, in my thoughts.
Peace,
Danial
“Car Dude, Light”
I think one of the things I will miss the most is what hit me when I pulled up this page…Bobby’s smile. It was beautiful and infectious. I have never met a more positive person who was just happy to be living and experiencing life with his family and friends.
My family and I are blessed for having known him.
Every time Owen revs his Corvette lamp (which has already been 10 times today:) I think of Bobby.
Love you Smith family!
I am so sorry I did not hear of Bob’s passing. He was a dear friend many years ago and we lost touch. My Condolences go out to his wife and family.
Barbara Young
Gail and Family,
Please accept my sympathies at the passing of Bob. I first met him in first grade and he was a great little boy who grew to be a wonderful man who will be missed by us all.
Beth Meadows Sandberg
I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a gentle, quiet and sweet man. I remember him in HS as always soft spoken and one of the good guys. We enjoyed having him come to the class reunions in Florence. He always had something kind to share. We will miss him. May God bless you in the days ahead. Charlotte