Leston Smith

Leston David Smith, 71, of Hibbing, passed away peacefully in his home on June 20, 2022.
Leston was born in Hibbing on December 29, 1950 to Mary Frances and Leston David Smith.
Les was a cherished father and grandfather, and the most loyal friend. He found joy in routine,
riding his Harley Davidson, and watching far too much CNN. He deeply enjoyed shooting the
breeze, betting on sports events with his son-in-law and playing “Words with Friends” with his
lifelong friend, Tony Zubich. Les had an infectious, dimpled smile and never met a stranger. He
was honest to a fault and brought many eye rolls, smiles, and laughs to those who loved him
most. Les loved the sun on his face and spent the last eight years making frequent trips to
North Carolina to see his family, often frequenting the places that he grew up loving, such as
the beach and Lake Norman. Les was happiest with a coffee in his hand, a plate full of food
sitting in front of him, or with Van Morrison blaring in his headphones. He enjoyed dancing to
“Tenth Avenue Freeze Out” with his grandson, Leo, and spent the last days of his life smiling at
his newest granddaughter, Gigi.
Les often verbalized that his greatest life accomplishment was the role he played in creating his
daughter and his grandchildren. We will constantly strive to honor his life through living ours to
the fullest and continuing to playfully pick on one another whenever possible.
Les is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth (Ryan) Goetzinger and two young grandchildren, Leo
Leston and Gigi. He is also survived by the mother of his daughter, Julie Brownell, and his two
brothers, Rick (Carla) and Jeff (Eileen) Egge.
Les is preceded in death by his mother, Mary “Fran” Egge, father, Leston Smith, step-father
Richard Egge and his beloved sisters Karen, Sherry, and Sandy.
Les requested that no formal service take place upon his passing. His ashes will be spread in
North Carolina at Holden Beach in a family celebration of his life this fall.