Dennis Lee Smythe

Dennis Lee Smythe, age 80, passed away September 17, 2022 at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. Dennis was born February 27, 1942 in Long Beach, California to Donald and Jane Smythe. At a young age the family relocated to Elma, Washington. Mr. Smythe graduated from Elma High School in 1960. On January 1, 1963 he and his brother, Douglas, joined Air Force. Dennis was stationed in Japan. He finished his tour on January 1, 1967. Mr. Smythe eventually attended college at the University of Montana, Missoula. Moving to Anchorage in 1971 he became a soils engineer for Greater Anchorage Area Borough. Shortly thereafter, he began a long career with the State of Alaska, Department of Labor, DOSH. He and Gala Parsley were married July 30, 1980. Mr. Smythe retired from the State in 1997. He was one of the original founders of the Alaskan Bowhunters Association and helped Alaska Fish & Game start their Bowhunters Education program. During the years he became active with Boy Scouts serving on the Board. He was an avid bowhunter and loved fishing with the flies he tied. Dennis enjoyed hunting in Alaska, the lower 48 and Africa. He was a hot air balloon pilot flying in Anchorage and the Matanuska Valley. His family considered him a gourmet cook and learned to stay out of “his” kitchen. Dennis is survived by his wife, Gala, brother, Douglas Alan Smythe (Jenny) of Shelton, Washington, daughter Kathleen Smythe (Ben) of Blackfoot, Idaho, son Scott Smythe (Susie) of Anchorage and daughter Meghan Smythe (Alan) of Anchorage. Also surviving him are grandsons, Skylar, Nathan and Justin, three granddaughters, Cheyenne, Aryanna and Sophia and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and great granddaughter, Brynlie Carver. Inurnment of ashes will be Friday, September 30, at 3:00 p.m. at Anchorage Memorial Park in the Moose Lodge section. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 1, at 5:00 p.m. at the Anchorage Moose Lodge, 4211 Arctic Blvd., Anchorage.