Thomas Jeffery Smith, (Tom) passed away peacefully in his home with his wife Susie and his beloved dog Caba by his side, on October 15th, 2025. He was born December 1st, 1956, in Santa Monica, CA to John and Pauline Smith. Tom’s life was rich with family, hard work, and adventure.
Tom and his family moved to Santa Barbara in 1960. Growing up, he rode his bicycle all over Santa Barbara and then discovered motorcycles. He loved working on motorcycles with his dad and shared his passion for anything with a motor. He would take off on any time he could, to ride in the mountains or desert. In his teen years, he competed in motocross and earned many awards.
He always had a love and affection for animals. Dogs and horses were his favorites. He rode horses and started working cattle in his early adulthood. Throughout his life, he always had a project of some sort going on. He was proficient in welding and repaired and created many things. He developed a love for watching car racing and watched the Indy 500 and Nascar all his adult life. He spent his last morning on earth watching Nascar, with his son Sam by his side.
He worked as a heavy equipment operator for 45 years. When he took brief breaks from his career, he worked as a wrangler at Circle Bar-B Ranch in Gaviota California. He also worked on many other ranches doing whatever jobs needed to be done. Tom had a bit part in the movie “Of Mice and Men.”
Tom and Susie created a beautiful life together for 31 years with lots of love, laughter and tears. They shared many adventures on horseback, in their trusty side-by-side, and on foot – hiking many trails in California and Southern Utah. Tom had a sharp wit and a cowboy sense of humor. He was warm and welcoming with those in his circle of friends and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his sister Valerie Chisum (Dwight) , his children Terry Harsha (Kristen), Jessica Smith, and Samuel Smith (Annie),7 grandchildren and his wife Susie. He is preceded in death by his mother and father and brother John Smith.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Zions Way and the professional and compassionate help of the Mosdell Mortuary.
Celebration of Life will be held at noon on November 4th at 1710 S. Crimson Road, Kanab Utah.
Thinking of you all at this sad time. Tom was a wonderful man who showed me such kindness when I visited Kanab two years ago. Off roading through the wildness in his Jeep, taking Susie, Kathy and myself to the visit Grand Canyon . A very happy few days with Tom and Susie. Memories to treasure always. Rest in peace Tom. Love the English lady Liz XX
Tom was a great friend.
We hit it off instantly when we first met each other.
That’s how it is with retired equipment operators and the other stuff we had in common.
With Tom, what you see is what you get.
He treated everyone with a genuine kindness and treated everyone as an equal.
A true gentleman, and a great husband to Susie.
Time is short in this world.
Tom lived live to the fullest.
I’m going to miss you buddy.
He named me Toad.
Always love bantering back and forth with him and hearing some of his stories.
He is missed now, and will be missed for a long time.
He will be missed by all of us…RIP Tom…
I am so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. You were so lucky to have his love for31 years.
RIP tom
Dear Susie, my thoughts and love are with you. We all loved Tom and his great sense of humor. So happy you had such wonderful years together.
Tom you were a true Cowboy and a wonderful Friend.
I will surely miss your sense of humor and treasure the memories I have riding and gathering with you.
Ride on Cowboy
Love and Blessings, Juli
Dear Susie,
So very sorry for your loss.
It’s a difficult journey but alas many of us are traveling it without our beloved partners.
Grateful you had a wonderful
Life ,filled with many adventures.
Blessed to have had so many years together.
My heart goes out to you my friend.
Love
Sue Vasek
I am so sorry to hear this. Tom and I have been friends since 7th grade. We were in stage crew together. I worked with his Mom and Dad at GTE. I last saw Tom at his Moms memorial. We had a chance to catch up. He was such a nice man. One of the good ones. He passed far too young. Sending prayers to his family. Please let me know if there is a celebration of life in Santa Barbara.
Susie, I am saddened to 3about your loss. I’m sending you and your family my deepest condolences and prayers healing during your grieving days ahead.
Dear Susie
Thinking of you sending our love and sympathy Tom’s love will be with you forever and his memories will shine through your sorrow.
Peace Sharon and Steve