EAST DIXFIELD – Leslie L. Smith, 80, of East Dixfield, journeyed to heaven on Sept. 24, 2024. He was born in East Dixfield on June 6, 1944, D-Day, as he often reminded others, to the late Hollis and Celia Smith.

He was a 1962 graduate of Wilton Academy. Following graduation, he worked for his father in the woods and on the family farm, More Acres Farm. He was also involved in and faithfully attended church, and in earlier years, led a teen youth group. He loved and appreciated his church families. Les was an avid reader of history, Louis L’Amour westerns, and, of course, the weekly Uncle Henry’s. He was a huge fan of basketball and football, whether high school or professional. Les had been honored at a surprise 80th birthday party organized by his family.

In his youth, Leslie and his family raised and showed Hampshire sheep and Beef Shorthorn cattle. There were cows to milk as well. When a new dairy barn was built, and more dairy cows were added, he met his breed of choice, Brown Swiss. Les loved milking the cows and exhibiting both the beef and the dairy at Maine fairs as well as at shows in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Moncton, NB. Cattle and cattle prices were often his topic of conversation, and his idea of a day off was going to visit other farms, checking out their cows, or attending a cattle sale.

On May 4, 1974, he married Judy Howard from New Vineyard. They began their life together in a new home that Leslie built in East Dixfield. Les continued working for his father until 1981 when he purchased the dairy cows and continued in the dairy industry on his own. The tradition of showing cattle continued. Leslie enjoyed being involved in his children’s dairy and beef 4-H project work.

In 1973, he received the Brown Swiss Herdsman Award at the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, Mass. In 2002, Les was awarded the Maine Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award. He was very proud of this accomplishment. In 2014, he was presented the Long Time Exhibitor Award at the Windsor Fair. And in 2019, More Acres Farm was recognized at the Fryeburg Fair for 81 consecutive years of exhibiting Beef Shorthorn cattle. Les was pleased to receive this recognition award for the farm.

Leslie also enjoyed working to fit and prepare cattle for various sales in and out of state, always looking forward to the annual Brown Swiss sale held in Cobleskill, NY, each fall. He was also invited to judge beef, dairy, and working steers at open and 4-H shows around the state.

In 2020, the dairy cattle were sold, and Les and Judy decided on another venture, that of training and showing working steers, a project they both enjoyed growing up. Leslie had been looking forward to attending the 2024 Fryeburg Fair with their two pairs of steers.

Leslie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy; two children, a daughter, Joy Ray (Jason) of West Gardiner, and a son, Matthew Smith (Stephanie) of East Dixfield; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn Ray, Amberleah Smith, and Matthew Smith Jr. (MJ); a brother, Calvin Smith from East Dixfield; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Errol Hammond, and sister-in-law, Joyce Smith.

Family and friends are invited to attend Leslie’s visitation Friday Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. at Calvary Hill Baptist Church, 195 US Route 2E, Wilton, Maine, where his funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Private family interment will follow. Those who wish are invited to remain at the church to attend a comfort reception hosted by Calvary Hill Baptist Church.

Memories may be shared in Leslie’s Book of Memories at http://www.wilesrc.com. Honored to be caring for the family of Leslie L. Smith is Wiles Remembrance Center of Farmington.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made for

camp sponsorships to:

Camp Good News

413 Campground Rd.

Livermore Falls, ME 04254