In Loving Memory of Walter Eugene Smith
December 31, 1955 – December 5, 2024

On a quiet winter’s day, the world said goodbye to a remarkable man. Gene Smith, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend, passed away at the age of 68 in a motorcycle accident; he died in Kanab, Utah where he’d been residing for the last year. A Navy veteran, a seeker of natural beauty, and a deeply feeling soul with an infectious laugh, he left this world a little brighter and a lot more loved.

Gene is survived by his daughter Jessica and grandson Sage, his parents “Big” Gene and Shirley, siblings Jackie and Jack, nephew and niece Jacqueline and Chris. For periods of his life, he was step-father to Cindy, Brian, Sarah, and Sean, step-grandfather to Kristen, Vaeh, Ashley, Alison, Emily, great step-grandfather to Lydia, husband to first wife Gail and second wife Kathy, and partner to Kathleen. He will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Salt Lake, Utah, with military honors on December 30, 2024, at noon. Some of his ashes will journey to Zion National Park, a place that embodies the love and peace he cherished.

Gene was born on December 31, 1955, and was immortalized in the local newspaper as the last baby born in that hospital that year. It began his special place in the universe. In his younger years, Gene was a naturally fit man, known for his exceptional strength. In school, Gene was very successful. He achieved straight A’s in Junior High and set records for Physical Exercise competitions, including the Best Discus Throw in the history of the school-a record that remains untouched to this day, and one he earned the first time he ever participated in the sport. His feat was a testament not only to his physical abilities but also to his quiet confidence and knack for exceeding expectations. Whether on that field or in life, he carried that strength with him, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him.

His sister Jackie remembers his parents were very proud of Gene. His mom felt a special closeness to her first-born son and his dad saw Gene as his pride & joy. She also recalls, “Whenever his dad was away at work, Gene was the “man of the house”. We all looked to him if we heard a noise outside or needed help with anything requiring strength.”

Gene’s younger brother, Jack, remembers him in their upbringing as a protector, a mentor, and a source of encouragement. Jack recalls Gene was “the toughest guy in our neighborhood, always standing up for me, whether it was against bullies or even our father.” Gene had heart as big as his strength, showing his love in ways that left a lasting impression. A generous man who loved his little brother, Gene once spent his entire Navy paycheck on a motorcycle Jack had dreamed of having-a gift. Jack shares, “He believed in me and always pushed me to take care of myself and do what was right.”

Remembered forever as “Daddy” to his daughter Jessica, he was a guiding star and her first teacher in music, nature, love, and the art of finding joy in life’s simplest beauties. With his impeccable taste, he shared the transformative power of music and style. His deep connection to the natural world was a gift he passed on, teaching his daughter to find and feel the beauty in every landscape and the smallest details found within them: from ocean cliffs and cloud-swept skies to the smallest flowers, stones, and creatures. When apart, Gene and Jessica would look to the night sky to find Orion’s Belt-“our three stars”-to feel the unbreakable bond between them.

As a young girl, Jessica recalls her Daddy would recite the Serenity Prayer each night during her bedtime routine, as he tucked her in for sleep. This was meaningful knowledge shared with his step-son, Brian, and countless others, as well. Gene worked hard and with determination to live by these words:

God,
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

Gene was a deeply spiritual man, one who walked the complex and sometimes painful paths of his life with courage and reflection. He was searching for inner peace, which often eluded him. He was most proud of achieving 30 years of sobriety-a testament to his resilience and that same strength referenced by all who remember him. Gene honored his sobriety birthday each year on March 8th; coincidentally a date shared with the birth of his grandson, Sage.

Throughout his life, Gene was hard-working, with many skills and abilities. He provided for his family a home and security. He took great pride in the care of his homes, yards, vehicles, and tools. He found artistic comfort in woodworking, experimenting with the creation of beautiful furniture pieces. He always had the potential to achieve any of his goals and accomplished projects with perfection.

Gene possessed a profound depth and an extraordinary capacity for sentimentality, often moved by love, connection, and the sheer beauty of the world around him. His sensitive and heartfelt nature made him deeply attuned to tender moments that many might overlook. He had a strong protective instinct for those he loved.

Gene found solace in nature and long scenic drives with loved ones, traveling with a trailer to beautiful sights in his retirement. In his frequent pauses for contemplation and musing during such travels, he was often with a camera in hand, capturing the wonder of the world as he saw it, with skill. Gene loved animals, great and small, and treated them with a tenderness that inspired others. Throughout his life he cared for his pets with responsibility and kindness. His laughter, a sound that could fill a room and lift spirits, will echo in the hearts of those who had the joy of hearing it.

Though he has left this world, Gene remains in every star that shines, every melody that moves us, and every moment of beauty we pause to see. In honoring his memory, may we all carry forward the lessons he taught us: to laugh freely, to love deeply, to never let our strength overpower our gentle sides, and to always seek the beauty around us.

Service details:
Monday, December 30, 2024 – 12:00 Noon
Utah Veterans Cemetary and Memorial Park
17111 South Camp Williams Road
Bluffdale, Utah 84065