The holiday weeks brings news of the passing of Orville B. “Orv” Smidt, who died on December 23, aged 82. Smidt was a 12-year state legislator from Brookings. Smidt served in the State House from 1997-2004, where he was assistant leader in 1999-2000, and then served in the State Senate from 2005-08.
Smidt, a Brookings native and SDSU graduate, was a combat helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War and spent his career in the US Army, retiring in 1993. His retirement was committed to community service, as he was active in Brookings non-profits, in Republican politics, and as a fan of Jackrabbit athletics.
Senator Smidt’s obituary is posted here.
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