Retired Whatcom deputy’s sudden passing shines a light on his exceptional life and career
The law enforcement community in Whatcom County and beyond is mourning the abrupt and unexpected loss of one of its own this week. Retired Whatcom County Sheriff’s Deputy Stuart “Stu” Smith, 71, died Saturday, June 22, while riding a motorcycle along Chuckanut Drive.
Smith was riding a a 2005 Honda Goldwing GL1800 south on Chuckanut Drive when he suffered an unknown medical episode, according to Washington State Patrol. The motorcycle drifted across the center line and crashed into a ditch on the northbound side of the road. No other vehicles were involved.
The WSP crash report lists Ferndale as Smith’s last known town of residence.
“He was a wonderful person. Dedicated to law enforcement, a great family man and loved by everybody,” Smith’s stepson, Todd Saulsbury, told The Bellingham Herald.
The Sheriff’s Office expressed its condolences on social media:
“Stuart ‘Stu’ Smith, a devoted Deputy with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office for over three decades, passed away on Saturday, June 22. Stu’s remarkable career, spanning from 1980 to 2010, left an indelible mark on the lives of his colleagues, the community, and the countless individuals he served with kindness and compassion.
As a Resident Deputy in Point Roberts, Stu was a fixture in the community, known for his friendly demeanor and unwavering commitment to keeping his neighbors safe. His expertise as a Crime Scene Photographer and Boating Safety Coordinator for the Marine Unit further showcased his dedication to excellence and public service.
Stu’s impact extended far beyond his official duties. He was a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to many within the WCSO family. His wisdom, guidance, and generosity of spirit helped shape the careers of numerous law enforcement professionals.
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary individual, we offer our sincerest condolences to his loved ones and colleagues. May Stu’s legacy continue to inspire us all, and may he rest in peace. Godspeed, Stu. Your service, friendship, and spirit will never be forgotten.”
Smith was honored by the state House of Representatives in 2006 for his action as a law enforcement officer when he rammed his SUV into a suspect’s vehicle as it attempted to flee across the Canadian border.
The two men in the vehicle were suspects sought in a California murder investigation, and Smith’s actions stopped them just feet short of the Canadian border in Blaine.
“I’ll share that Stu was a gentle giant,” said Lt. Magnus Gervol of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office in an email to The Herald. “He always had a smile; he welcomed everyone (especially new deputies). Stu treated everyone fairly and respectfully. He built strong relationships with allied agencies. Law enforcement boating safety was Stu’s expertise and professional passion.”
“I was a brand new, 22-year-old deputy straight out of college when I began working with Stu in the winter of 2002,” said Deputy Ben Wood in an email to The Herald. “Like all the older deputies at the time, he was skeptical of the young kid that I was. I quickly earned his respect and the feeling was mutual. Stu was the Boating Safety Program coordinator and he ran a very capable, highly respected unit. I got the opportunity to join the unit in 2005, and was thrilled to have Stu take me under his wing. Through his mentoring, I went from having never operated a boat at all to a competent and productive Boating Safety Officer.”
