Delbert Royce Smith: September 2, 1943 – March 6, 2023

Delbert "Royce" Smith was born and raised in Arvin, California. He graduated from Fresno State University with a degree in agriculture. He followed in his father's footsteps pursuing a career in agriculture chemical sales with Elanco – Eli Lilly. During his 35-year career, he steadily rose through the management ranks, finishing as the District Sales Manager for the Plains States. The career journey included major stops in Boise, Minneapolis, and Fargo.

During his senior year at Fresno State, he married his college sweetheart Diane. His first son Shaun followed soon after. The family settled in Boise and his second son Ron soon joined the family. For 12 years the family enjoyed the incredible outdoor recreational opportunities Idaho provided. Camping, Hiking, Skiing, Fishing, Hunting. From May to September, it was a given the family camper would be parked in the driveway Friday morning with Diane loading up provisions during the day for a Friday afternoon departure into the mountains. Christmas gifts always included a season ski pass to Bogus Basin and a fresh round of ski equipment.

In the mid-'80s Royce and Diane built a beautiful log cabin on seven acres on Silent Lake in Northern Minnesota. Complete with a huge patio overlooking the lake, beach, and large boat dock, the cabin became a major summer social hub for friends and family. A full generation of children grew up at the lake learning to water ski. The meals were legendary.

Following his early retirement from Elanco, Royce and Diane joined the Peace Corps and began a 2.5-year assignment in Sansare, Guatemala. They were the first volunteers ever assigned to this medium-sized town and there wasn't a single English-speaking resident. This allowed them to accomplish a major life goal of becoming fluent in Spanish. Their main project was helping to improve the facilities and libraries of rural schools.

Upon completion of their Peace Corps assignment, they remained dedicated to improving rural schools in Guatemala. Working with local Rotary Clubs (Lompoc, Santa Maria, Fargo), they would host annual work weeks where Rotarians would fund and build new facilities. This continued for many years and made a huge impact not only to the schools, but to the participating Rotarians.

Royce is survived by his wife Diane, sons Shaun and Ron, and grandchildren Martin, Kaleb, Nora, and Skilar.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am May 13th in the Starbuck-Lind Chapel in Lompoc, led by Rev. Joy Price of the First United Methodist Church of Lompoc. A reception will follow. All are welcome.