Obituary of Ernest Smith

Ernest "Ernie" Nelson Smith, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, passed away on January 12, 2017. He was born on July 13, 1938 to Dean and Isabelle Smith in Pasadena, California. He was 78 years of age. Ernie enjoyed his time on the San Clemente beach and spent many hours body surfing. After graduating from high school, he proudly joined the Marine Corps. He always said "once a Marine, always a Marine". He was stationed in the Far East and spent quite a bit of time in the Philippines. Ernie came to Lake Havasu City in 1968 and was considered a "pioneer". He opened Nelson Variety Store but soon found himself involved with the LHC Volunteer Fire Department. He served as the Volunteer Chief. When the LHC Fire District was formed, he became the elected Chief in March 1970.He served as a member of the Arizona State Fire Training Committee under the auspices of the Industrial Commission of Arizona and the State Fire Marshal's Office. The committee developed the curriculum for the first State Fire Training Program in 1974. After LHC incorporated, Ernie became the Public Safety Director in July 1979 and hired the first police officers, selected their uniforms and hired the Police Chief. Ernie returned to the LHC Fire Department as Fire Marshal. He served as Vice President of the Fire Marshal's Association of North America (FMANA) in 1989 to 1990. In 1997, he received a commendation from the Lake Havasu City Council for his commitment to the Arson Task Force concept resulting in successful prosecutions. In 1999, he was inducted into the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame. On April 28, 2002, Ernie retired as Division Chief/Fire Marshal. He then worked as Project Manager for the Sailing Hawks property until 2007. Ernie met his soul mate, Nellie Ann Arronte, and they were married on June 26, 1981. They shared 35 and a half wonderful years together. He had many interests in life; gardening, square dancing, line dancing, boating, working out at Havasu Fitness, watching sports, enjoying cruises with his wife Nellie and the family, was an avid fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals. Most of all he loved his family and adored his grandchildren. He was very proud of them and enjoyed spending every minute he could with them. Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Isabelle Smith; son, Ernest Dean Smith; daughter, Trina Ann Petty, and brother, George Smith. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Nellie Ann Smith; son, Dwyatt Petty III; grandson, Dwyatt Petty IV; granddaughter, Bailey Ann Petty and his sister, Priscilla Smith. Services will be held at 11:00am at Lake Havasu City Aquatic/Community Center on January 30, 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22202. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the Smith family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.