Thanks, Ron, for all the laughs over the years! I have never been around you when there wasn't constant laughter. You could even make me laugh, right up to the end, even when you were so sick. We love you so much and will miss you terribly.
His obituary . . . so beautifully written!!
Our beloved husband, supportive father, adored grandfather, Ron W. Smith, age 63, passed away at his home in Sandy, Utah, November 3, 2009, after a valiant two year battle against Mesothelioma. He passed away with dignity, determination, and a sense of humor, the same way he lived his life.
Ron was born December 5, 1945 in Richfield, Utah, a son of Wayne Alfred and Shirley Louise Taylor Smith and spent his childhood in Bicknell, Utah. Growing up on the family farm, Ron learned the value of hard work at a young age, a value which served as a guide throughout his entire life.
Ron graduated from Wayne High School, Class of 1964. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Gae Turner, September 9, 1966 in the Manti LDS Temple. They are the proud parents of three children.
Ron graduated from SUU in 1968 with a degree in Accounting and was then drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam conflict. He was honorably discharged after serving his country for two years. After his military service, Ron spent his life working in the accounting profession where he was a partner in his own firm, Smith Powell & Company. Ron was not only an accountant, but also an advisor and friend to his clients. He conducted his practice with integrity and has left a legacy as an example for all accountants.
Ron lived his life full of love for his family, friends, and everyone he came in contact with. He had the ability to light up a room with his quick wit and sense of humor. Ron loved traveling, reading, playing tennis, and mountain biking, but spending time with his family was his greatest joy. He especially loved time spent with his grandchildren and had the unique ability of making each grandchild believe they were his favorite.
He is survived by his sweetheart of 43 years, Linda and their children: Jodi and Matt Mills, Roger and Jennifer Smith, Kristen and Russell Vinik; six grandchildren: Raquel, Samantha, Jared, Andrew, Alayna, and Lauren. He is also survived by his mother Shirley Smith and his brother Ted and Camille Smith; and his father-in-law: Mark Turner. He was preceded in death by his father Wayne Smith, his younger brother Don Smith, and his mother-in-law, Rula Turner.
The family extends our deep appreciation to Dr. Akerley and the nurses at the Huntsman Cancer Institute for their kind and loving care during Ron's fight against cancer. We would also like to sincerely thank Jay Johnson and the staff at Rocky Mountain Hospice for their compassionate care in Ron's final days.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. in the Falcon Park LDS Ward Chapel, 9119 South 1300 East in Sandy. Friends may visit with the family at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East 10600 South in Sandy, Friday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the ward chapel Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 prior to the services.
Burial with military honors will be in the Larkin Sunset Gardens under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made in Ron’s name to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, 500 Huntsman Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 or huntsmancancerfoundation.org.
