FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – One of the men who died on local roads over the weekend was a retired Whatcom County Sheriff’s Deputy who served the community for more than 30 years.

Stuart “Stu” Smith began his career with the department in 1980 and served as Resident Deputy in Point Roberts, Crime Scene Photographer, and Boating Safety Coordinator for the Marine Unit.

The sheriff’s office says he was “a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to many” whose impact in the community went far beyond his official duties.

He retired from the sheriff’s department in 2010.

Photo of Whatcom County Sheriff’s Deputy Stuart Smith. Courtesy of WCSO.