Leland E. "Smitty" Smith

Tuesday, May 20, 1947 - Friday, February 21, 2025

Leland E Smith (Smitty), age 77, of Helena passed away peacefully in his loving home on February 21st after a short-term, hard-fought battle against cancer, for which there was no treatment options available.

Smitty was born May 20th 1947 in Corinth, Mississippi to L.E and Juanita Smith. As an only child, L.E and Juanita had their family moving from to state to state; Arizona, Wyoming, and finally Montana following the brick trade. They stopped in Helena when Smitty was in 5th grade and came to the conclusion that it was time for Leland to find roots and establish himself in the community.

Smitty attended Hawthrone Grade School, Helena Jr High, and graduated from Helena High School, Class of 1965. Athletics were a significant part of his life. He ran the mile in track, ran cross country, and played basketball as well. Even though sports were important, he was a member of the 3-7-77 club, which was a service organization that Smitty took great pride in being a part of. After high school, he attended MSU – Bozeman graduating with a Construction Technology Degree.

After graduating from Bozeman, Smitty came home to work the masonry contracting business with his father and learning the foundation of the brick trade. In 1967, Leland married the love of his life, Sharon Horne. They had two beautiful children, Shawn Smith and Robyn VanHemelryck. Smitty and Sharon enjoyed fifty-seven and half years together traveling to follow their children and grandchildren with sports and extra-circular activities. Leland’s parents established Smitty’s Fireplace Shop in 1970 where he came to work with them again, taking over the business until his own retirement. Leland was fortunate to have his children (Shawn and Robyn), son-in-law (Dean), and his grandchildren (Shelby and Carson) working at the family business that his parent’s (L.E and Juanita), Sharon and himself worked so hard in establishing in the community of Helena. Smitty’s Fireplace Shop is now a four-generation working business.

Smitty has always said how fortunate he was to have so many amazing friends. He hunted and fished with Gary Mann for 55 years, but better yet worked with him for 35 years. Bill Huyser was a close business associate who became a great personal friend that he also hunted and golfed with. Marty Mouat and Bob Guffy were also good golfing buddies of Leland. Marty Mouat and Smitty would spend countless hours discussing their grandchildren’s sports activities along with local sports teams. Leland has many more friends, but too numerous to mention. You all know who you are and Leland is forever thankful for you.

Leland was preceded in death by his parents, L.E and Juanita Smith. He is survived by his wonderful wife Sharon Smith, son Shawn Smith, daughter Robyn VanHemelryck (Dean), his five grandchildren; Bryson Smith, Brittany Carlson (Tyler), Kylee Hauck (Ryan), Shelby VanHemelryck, Carson VanHemelryck, and finally his great grandchild, Harper Hauck.

Smitty was one of the strongest, most genuine, caring, and stubborn people you could come across. He touched so many lives in a positive manner. Smitty had very strong values and morals; who always tried to do what was right no matter how difficult it was. He is loved and missed by all. Smitty will surely be watching over us from above.

Per Smitty’s request, there will be no public services as we are only doing a private family gathering. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in memory of Leland E. Smith to Enhabit Home Health and Hospice, 2827 Airport Rd, Helena MT 59601. Our family would like to thank Katherine Bell, Brooke Carriger, and the rest of the staff at Enhabit Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care.

Published by Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home, Helena, MT