The Final Post

It has now been 3 1/2 months since David passed away and left such a big hole in my mind, heart, calendar, home and life. I miss him very much. I have his picture by my bedroom door and every time I pass I reach out to touch his whiskered face - I can still feel it.

I have decided to have this blog and all of the comments and pictures printed out and added to the book I am putting together about him. If any of you have any final comments, thoughts, stories or feelings you would like included in this book, please comment on this post. I'm going to close it down the end of April and have everything printed then.

I hope you all know how important each of you were during the fight with the Deathstar. As a family we counted on your words of encouragement, hope and love and we read them over and over and we read them to David over and over. Thank you for your love and help. Our family has often commented on how we felt the prayers and well-wishes of our family and friends - especially the day of his surgery from the members and co-workers at the Jewish Community Center. I will never forget that day.

The Deathstar may have won this round, but there is no lasting loss with Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer. "O grave, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?" There is no lasting separation and no lasting pain where Jesus is involved - and He is definitely involved here. As Elder Nelson has discussed, the best part about death is the joyous eternal reunion we will have one with another because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I testify of Jesus' reality, His power and His constant love. Everything He touches heals and is made better. I know that to be true. This is what I want my final posting to be - my sure testimony of my reunion with my beloved husband, David and to be held by him again in a future day all made possible because of the Great Plan of Happiness provided by our dear Father in Heaven and secured by His Son, Jesus Christ. I hope some day to enjoy Their embrace as well.

My love and testimony to you all.

Janis

Memorial Services

Family Reunion, October 2010

Thank you all for your kind words, thoughts and prayers.  I am so grateful for family and friends who love and support all of us.  Dad's obituary follows with memorial service inforamtion at the end.  We hope to see as many of you as can make it on Thursday.  Thank you.

David Curtis Smith, age 62, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 30, 2011.

David was born December 23, 1949 in Van Nuys, CA to Curtis Elmer Smith and Frances Dee Chaffin (Deceased). and was the oldest of 8 children.  He was active in the Boy Scout program in the wards and stakes in which he lived.  He loved hiking, camping, spending time with his brothers, and all things llama; pastimes that continued his entire life.  He loved gardening and grew the best tomatoes around.  David graduated from Marina High School and attended college at Golden West Community College in Huntington Beach, CA.  David served a mission to the New England States from 1969 to 1971.  He loved to make up songs, had a great sense of humor, and loved to be on a trail with his llamas in the mountains. 

He married Janis Carter Smith on September 8, 1972 in the Los Angeles California temple.  They are the proud parents of 7 children; Melody Ann; Annjeanette (Deceased); Amy Louise; Michael David, (Michelle Dalley); Robert Wayne, (Katie Bills); Abigail Frances; Andrew Carter, (Alina Derevnina).  They are also the loving grandparents to five perfect grandsons and one granddaughter to come.

David was a hard-working , dedicated employee for all of his life. He and his father owned a janitorial maintenance company for many years.  David was also employed by The Fuller Brush Company, Interstate Electronics, and was the facilities manager for the Honda Event Center, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the Jewish Community Center. 

David was baptized into and had a strong testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many church callings.  His favorite, by far, was being able to serve in the scounting organizations of the church.  An avid scouter all of his life, David was proud to be an Eagle Scout.  He and his wife were honored to have worked in the Oquirrh Mountain temple. 

David has been reunited with his mother, his brother Corey, his daughter and loving grandparents and relatives.

He is survived by his father Curtis, Delta, UT, 4 brothers: Robin (Linda), Hinckley, UT, Russel (Chris), Salt Lake City, UT, Brian (Julie) Spring Creek, NV, Matthew (Jane), Rexburg, ID, and 2 sisters: Wendy Kelly, Orem, UT, and Jennifer (Lou) Pardone, Orem, UT and many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 5, 2012, 11:00 AM, at the West Jordan, Prairie Stake Center, 5360 West 7000 South West Jordan, UT.  A viewing will be held prior to the services beginning at 9:30 am.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LDS church missionary fund or the Boy Scouts of America. 

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the Intermountain Hospice Care employees and volunteers.

FYI

Last night, as Dad was surrounded by his family, his Spirit slipped away from his body and ended his journey here on earth.  He was peaceful, we were peaceful.

As we try to put into words our feelings about Dad and his battle against the Deathstar, we wanted to let you all know that his memorial service will be Thursday, January 5th, in West Jordan.  As we finalize details we'll make a formal announcement.

Two years ago for Dad's 60th birthday, Mom had a brilliant idea of asking all his family to write him a letter, sharing their favorite thing, or memory about Dad.  We would like to invite anyone who would want to, to do the same.  We will add them to his book.  We think it will be an awesome way to share with his grandchildren now and in the future what a wonderful Husband, Father, Brother, Son, and Friend Dad was. 

If you feel so inclined, you can leave a comment, email them to me at abbiesmith@gmail.com, or write one and bring it to the memorial service.  We will also have the notebook with paper and pencils at his service where you can write one there if you wish!

As I read through the blog yesterday from the beginning I was again struck with amazement over how many lives Dad has touched.  We are truly grateful for each and everyone of you.  Thank you for your constant expressions of love and support.

Love to You All!