Jerry Smith

On March 16th, 2024, surrounded by many loved ones, our beloved dad, Jerry, peacefully passed away at the age of 80 in the American Fork Hospital, and was finally able to rest. He was welcomed back to his heavenly home by many of his angels that had gone before him. We know they were eager to see him again.

Our dad was born on August 22nd, 1943, in Lakeview, Oregon, to Mamie Pearl and John William Smith. He was the oldest of 4 children: his favorite sister, Donna, and two brothers, Kenny and Ray. He grew up in Medford, Oregon, for much of his childhood. While attending high school, he met his best friend and sweetheart, Diane Walker. They were married on October 6th, 1965. Later in Oakland, California, on November 11th, 1966, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the LDS Temple.

After having 8 children, they spent the first part of their marriage in Gresham, Oregon. Their path in life led them to American Fork, Utah, in 1979. Here, they would continue to raise their large family in a loving home surrounded by the beautiful mountains and the wonderful community!

Jerry was a man of all trades. His roles in life spanned anywhere from being a plumber, lumberjack, carpenter, police officer, hay-bailer, subcontractor, electrician, fencing installer, truck driver, emergency room technician, welder, accountant, computer technician, and even your local tax filing man.

However, after attending Weber State, he found his real calling as a first responder in 1981. He became a Firefighter and Paramedic. He started his career in Provo, Utah, where he continued to serve his community for the next 20 years until retiring in 2001. He was amazing at what he did and was looked up to by so many other colleagues. He held tight to the friendships he made throughout the years. Every relationship he cherished deeply!

He was a hero to many and a man to admire. When he spoke, everyone listened. He took every opportunity to teach you something. He loved sharing information or teaching you a new skill, and then watching you excel in what you learned. Throughout his career, he saved many lives and saw the end of life many times as well. He would tell stories of being the most nervous when he helped bring a new life into this world.

Dad enjoyed his time serving at the Mount Timpanogos LDS temple. He spent many years contributing to humanitarian church service projects as well. He was a man of many stories and would captivate you with his tall tales. He was a very quick-witted man. His ability to look past a person's faults and accept them for who they were with no judgment is something that will always be remembered by many. He always tried to make you feel like you were family instantly. He embraced you literally and figuratively. He cared deeply, always had a helping hand, a neighbor to count on, a man of great advice, a listener, a protector, a provider, a mentor, a teacher, a giver, a warrior, a survivor, and a man that would do anything for his family - no matter what it took.

Dad raised us right by showing us his love for the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and anything that would require being surrounded by wilderness. The love he had for his family is indescribable. We are his greatest accomplishment! Every one of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew that "dad", "grandpa", "papa", "the old man", loved them with his whole being. We will all miss him dearly!

Jerry is survived by his wife, Diane (Walker) Smith; brother, Kenneth Smith; children, Shari Smith, Steve (Tina) Smith, Stan (Christine) Smith, Sandy (Jesse) Walker, Cindy (Travis Johnstun) Rigby, Shelly (Curt) Caldwell, Suzie (Aaron) Francis, Sarah (Dan) Spies, Doug Smith; many cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, over 40 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren who love him dearly. He was embraced and welcomed home by his mother, Mamie Holt Smith; father, John William Smith; siblings, Donna Downing and Ray Smith; and his grandson, Jake Smith.

A family and friends "Celebration of Life" will be held on April 6, 2024, from 5:00-7:30 PM, at the Senior Center Administration & Wellness building, 54 East Main St, American Fork.