Nicholas J. Smit

Nicholas Jay Smit or as everyone knows him as "Nick" a loving and devoted father, brother, Son, and a friend to so many, passed away on January 2, 2022, after a hard fight with cancer at his home in Vancouver, WA. Nick was 60 years old and is survived by his Mother Donna Smit, his children Nicholas Smit, Ashley Smit, Madison Smit and Morgan Smit, his sister Kathy Shamrell (husband Dan), his brother Jeff Smit (wife Michelle). He was predeceased by his father Ronnald Smit and twin daughters Gabrielle Smit and Isabelle Smit. Nick was born in La Grande, OR on June 25, 1961. He spent his younger years visiting Grandparents and family in Ontario, OR. The family relocated to Portland, OR where Nick attended Benson High School. He enjoyed playing football, basketball, fishing, hunting, golfing, jokes, and fine dining. Nick eventually moved to the Camas/Vancouver, WA area. He started his career as a women's shoe salesperson at Nordstrom but would eventually build his legacy in the Car business. He worked as the General Manager/Partner at Gresham Subaru for 25 years. Over those years he built countless friendships and connections. He was someone who wanted to truly help people however he could. If you were ever in the market for a car there was a good chance that someone would tell you "You have to go see my buddy Nick." That is exactly what Nick was trying to accomplish. He wanted to help as many people as he could. Nick was such a major fan of Maui, HI that he eventually ended up purchasing a home that he frequented multiple times a year for many years to spend time with family and friends. He loved lying in the sun and working on that dark tan. Eventually Nick sold the place in Maui to buy a home in Palm Springs, CA with plans to enjoy his retirement watching golf from his back yard. With many accomplishments in Nick's life, one that he was most proud of was his involvement with The 4th Dimension Recovery Center. He was a founding member of the board of advisors over the past 5 years. In those years Nick was able to help raise over $300,000 dollars for this amazing recovery center. This recovery center is unique in that its goal is to honor each young person's recovery journey and support them in finding a pathway that suits their unique needs through peer-based support, community centers, and supportive housing. With Nick's outstanding demonstration of recovery, 4th Dimension is going to name a new Gresham, OR location in his honor called "The Smit Center" additionally they will also be creating "The Smit Scholarship, an annual fund that will help families in recovery secure a vehicle to help them on their journey. Nick Smit, a legend of his industry, an incredible friend to many, and more importantly an amazing father to his children. He will truly be missed, and the impact he left will never be forgotten!

Nicholas J. Smit

June 25, 1961 - January 2, 2022