Roy E. Smith

Roy E. Smith

March 26, 1963 - October 14, 2025

Roy E. Smith, 62, longtime Hibbing resident, passed away peacefully on October 14,

2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Born to Elmer “Bud” and Joy (Young) Smith on March 26 th , 1963, he grew up in Hibbing

but spent countless summers on Pokegama Lake in Grand Rapids. Throughout his

youth, he was an exceptional athlete that played multiple sports, but his love for hockey

was truly a north star in his life. After graduating from Hibbing High School, Roy

embarked on a remarkable journey. He earned multiple degrees, traveled the world,

played on a national championship hockey team at Hibbing Junior College, and served

as a teacher and principal in Nevada. In the early 2000s, with his daughter Cheyenne at

his side, he returned to Hibbing and reunited with the love of his life and wife of 21

years, Suzy Sorci. He worked briefly at Ironworld (Minnesota Discovery Center) before

assuming a unique dual role with the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources

and Rehabilitation (IRRR) and Minnesota North College. In this capacity, he served as

the Executive Director of the Applied Learning Institute (ALI) and led the IRRR’s Talent

Development initiatives.

Roy was instrumental in founding the acclaimed Iron Range Engineering Program,

which enables students to complete a four-year engineering degree on the Iron Range

while gaining invaluable hands-on industry experience. His visionary leadership also

significantly strengthened ALI, which connects high school students to technical careers

aligned with Minnesota North College programs, and the Next Career Pathways

initiative, providing meaningful career exploration for area students.

Roy’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. He championed customized

workforce training programs that reached thousands of participants across the region.

These initiatives helped individuals in communities, large and small, gain new

certifications and skills in essential vocations such as truck driving, welding, and

healthcare. He was particularly proud of efforts that are in-the-works to remove barriers

to training, including mobile welding and HVAC labs and on-site instruction provided

directly to rural and tribal communities.

Through his vision and advocacy, Roy advanced numerous grant projects that

expanded access to education and training opportunities throughout northern

Minnesota. His leadership and advocacy for initiatives such as Workforce Solutions for

the Trades, Emergency Services/Healthcare Frontline Worker, and the Empower

Women Program helped individuals pursue fulfilling careers, strengthen local industries,

and uplift families. Roy also supported transformative education projects through the

Iron Range Higher Education Committee, including curriculum redesigns, early

childhood education pathways, and initiatives that increased educational access on the

Iron Range. Importantly, he served as a close and trusted advisor to the various

commissioners, presidents, and legislators he collaborated with over the years.

Roy’s service extended well beyond his professional roles. He served as Board Chair of

the Northland Foundation, member of the Hibbing Area Wellness Committee, Essentia

Health’s Rural Healthcare Advisory Board, the Iron Mining Association Board, and the

Governor’s Workforce Development Council among many other affiliations. He was a

proud graduate of the Blandin Community Leadership Program and was honored with

the Friend of the Chamber Award by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for

his unwavering commitment to collaboration and community development.

It was through that commitment to community development, and through his, Suzy’s,

and Cheyenne’s joy for life, that they founded the Ice Cream Truck, where they spread

joy, love, and their magic throughout the Iron Range, one scoop at a time.

Roy will be remembered not only for his impressive professional accomplishments but

also for his extraordinary character. He was a mentor and friend to nearly everyone he

met. He was known for his profound kindness, genuine humility, and steadfast belief

that authentic relationships were the foundation of every success. Roy listened deeply,

cared authentically, and inspired others to lead with purpose and heart. His enduring

legacy will live on in the countless students, colleagues, and communities whose lives

he profoundly touched.

While his commitment to the vitality of the region was unmatched, his first priority was

always his family, who he loved with all of his heart. He is survived by his wife Suzy,

daughter Cheyenne Lease (Kayd), parents Joy and Elmer “Bud” Smith, sister Amy

Flynn (Kevin), brother Art Smith (Lorine), niece Alex Obregon (Aaron), great niece Rory

Obregon, and nephew Matthew Flynn, and puppies Bernie and Boujee.

A celebration of Roy’s life will be held on Thursday October 30th, 2025, at the Blessed

Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing from 11-2pm (Visitation from 11-1pm, Program from

1-2pm) followed by a luncheon at Valentini’s in Chisholm.

In memorial, and in lieu of flowers, the Roy E. Smith Leadership Fund has been setup in

Roy’s name that will support emerging leaders on the Iron Range. Please send

donations to: Roy E. Smith Leadership Fund, c/o the Hibbing Co-Operative Credit

Union. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.