Calvin Peter Smith Sr.

Calvin P. Smith Sr., of the Spirit Lake Nation, began his journey to the Spirit World on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the Towner County Living Center in Cando. ND.

The Wake for Calvin will be on Thursday, January 8, 2026 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Bdecan Presbyterian Church, rural Tokio ND with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. The procession to Tokio will leave at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday from the City Plaza, Devils Lake.

The Funeral Service will be on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the church with Military Honors accorded by the Spirit Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6547. Burial will be in St. MIchael's Cemetery in the spring.

Calvin Peter Smith Sr., of the Spirit Lake Nation, began his journey to the Spirit World on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Towner County Living Center in Cando, ND.

Calvin Peter Smith, son of Simon and Sarah (Young) Smith, was born on October 23, 1945, in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Calvin grew up in the Tokio area. He attended the Wahpeton Indian School and school in Flandreau, South Dakota. With determination he obtained his GED at Little Hoop Community College and received his carpentry certificate.

At the age of 19, Calvin entered the United States Army and proudly served his country, with a year of service in Vietnam with C Company 1327th APO SF (Screaming Eagles). He earned several medals and badges including Combat Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Calvin was honorably discharged from active duty on December 14, 1966, with the rank of SP4. He was with the Army Reserves until March 3, 1971.

Calvin and his beloved Violet Mae Thompson had many years together and married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1985. They were blessed to raise 10 children together. Their home was always open to family and friends, and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were very special to Calvin. Violet passed away on September 7, 2020.

Calvin always worked hard to support his family. He worked for a time at Sioux Manufacturing Corporation and the Spirit Lake Casino when it was located in Tokio. After earning his carpentry certificate, he worked for a local construction company. When he wasn’t doing his favorite pastime, carpentry, Calvin helped local farmers, ranchers, anyone who needed a helping hand.

Calvin loved to read, attend church services, and sing hymns with his church community. But what Calvin treasured most was spending time with his family and friends.

Calvin was a proud Vietnam veteran who carried his sense of duty into civilian life, working tirelessly and honoring every commitment, and above all, he was a devoted family man whose love shaped the lives of those who knew him.

Calvin’s loving family include his children and grandchildren Vance Thompson Sr. and his children Walter Thompson, Vance Thompson Jr., Sage Thompson, Tesa Sherman and Mae Thompson; Aaron Thompson Sr. and his children Aaron Thompson Jr., Joseph Thompson, Mary Kristen Thompson and Dakota Thompson; Adrian Thompson who passed away in August of 2020 and his children Alisa Ann Thompson and Brittany Dae Thompson; Laurie Ann Smith who passed away in February 2017 and her children Tori Jean Longie, Dalton Beau Longie and Savannah Rose Longie; Laura Smith who passed away in November of 2018; Waylon J. Smith and his children Montoya Chanel Smith, Hallie Jowell Smith, Baby Waylon Smith (Nota Jr.) and Brec Jesse Smith; Lonnie Smith and his children Latonnie Culbertson, Jacoby Smith, Shirley Culbertson and Leigh Ann Smith; Amanda Smith and her children Samuel Jetty and Armani Jetty; Candace Smith Grinnell and her children Jourdain Smith, Naomi Smith and Violet Eback; Calvin “Bud” Smith Jr.; many great grandchildren; sister Josephine Smith; brother David Smith Sr.; sisters-in-law Geraldine Redfox and Viola Thompson; many special nieces and nephews.

He was reunited with his wife Violet, twin daughters Laurie and Laura Smith, son Adrian Thompson, grandsons Johnathan Thompson and Ashton Thompson, brothers Leonard Dumarce, Michael Smith Sr., Joseph Smith, and Gabriel Smith Sr., sisters Florine Smith, Cynthia Smith Hunt, and Rita Smith Volk, and other beloved relatives.

Pallbearers will be Waylon Smith, Lonnie Smith, Calvin Smith Jr., Gabriel Smith, Jr., Monte Redfox, Russell Brown, Vance Thompson Sr., and Tyler Redfox.

Honorary Bearers: Curtis “Too Tall” Ross, Corrine Brown, Roger Brown, Ella Brown, Wesley Young, Darrell Smith, Terry and Jane Smith, Mona Leftbear, Geraldine Redfox, Viola Thompson, Trudy Young, Rolland Johnson, Bonnie Leftbear, Selena Thompson, Duane Jackson, Nan Forrest, Craig and Kitty Estenson, Bishop Michael Cole, Michelle Cavanaugh, Sam Merrick, John Posey, Curtis Posey, Kyle Lawrence, Martin Whitetail Jr., Monte and Jackie Redfox, Sully Leftbear, Sherry Guy and Dayson Jackson, Little Hoop Community College,

A Special Thank You to Spirit Lake Tribe, Spirit Lake Senior Service, Spirit Lake Nation Tribal Veterans Program, Marty Alex.

If we forgot to name anyone it was not intentional. Calvin had many friends and dear family and he loved you all.

All Drum Groups and Singers are welcome to share their songs in memory of Calvin.