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John Smith Obituary

John Edward Smith, age 45, passed away at the Kline Hospice House early Wednesday morning, May 22, 2013 after more than two years battling incurable brain cancer.

He leaves behind his loving wife Sabrina, and their three beautiful children: Aiden 7, Cecilia 4, and Neil 2, as well as his devoted parents Bob and Tracey Smith. His Aunt Chris, cousins Kelly and Carlee, as well as his Uncle Rob and countless friends and athletes around the world will also hold him in their hearts.

John was inducted into the local Alvin G. Quinn Frederick County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. His passionate career as a diver, trampolinist, coach, and motivational speaker spanned more than 25 years, as he dedicated his life to inspiring everyone he met. A superhero to his wife and children, the founder of the local Frederick Area Divers (or FAD), John was a man who always had a laugh, a story, who sought to "Explore and Inspire", and who will live forever in the hearts of many.

There will not be a funeral, but a two part celebration of his life at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Frederick, 4880 Elmer Derr Road starting on Saturday, June 1 at 4:00 p.m. This day will have time for family and friends to share stories and say a somewhat formal goodbye. The next day, Sunday June 2, long-time friends of the Smith's will be putting on a fund raising show at 12:30 called "Mutts Gone Nuts", allowing those who knew and loved John the chance to laugh together as he would have wanted.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either to the UUCF where John and Sabrina found a loving extended family over the past several years, or to the Patty Pollatos Fund in his name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Frederick News-Post on May 25, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for John Smith

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Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Elizabeth Honig

Planted Trees

Kristy Crawford

June 4, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a dynamic man who inspired so many, including athletes and students. My deep condolences to the Smith family.

Dawn & Emily Dinterman

June 3, 2013

Thoughts and prayers for the family.

Jennifer Little

May 31, 2013

Cassidy Little and family would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Smith Family. Cassidy was lucky to learn diving from him 2 summers ago. He was a great man and will be truly missed. God bless the family.

Jennifer Ferdock

May 30, 2013

May you Rest in Peace & Love in His arms now. John you touch many lives, As kids we always had fun exploring things together. That adventurous spirit and zest for life was very inspiring. Praying for your family now, we have lost a beautiful soul but the memories we carry with us forever.

Explore and inspire

Sabrina Smith

May 30, 2013

England fire dive

Sabrina Smith

May 30, 2013

proud daddy

Sabrina Smith

May 30, 2013

pumpkin patch fun

Sabrina Smith

May 30, 2013

diver love

Sabrina Smith

May 30, 2013

a fighter till the end

Sabrina Smith

May 30, 2013

May 29, 2013

We will miss John and will always have a place in our heart for him. We pray for his wife Sabrina and the kids, all of whom we have grown to know and care about. Our prayers also go out to his parents, who did an increadible job bringing up such a passionate and wonderful individual.
John thank you for introducing diving to our son, YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!!
The Meslovich's

John Henderson

May 28, 2013

John was my coach but more importantly, my friend. My deepest sympathies, to Sabrina and their 3 beautiful children. He will be greatly missed.

John Henderson

May 28, 2013

John was my coach but more importantly, my friend. My deepest sympathies go to Sabrina and their 3 beautiful children. He will be greatly missed.

May 28, 2013

John was an amazing dad, husband and coach.. He really stuck with my stubborn son and diving.. It helped Darius with confidence and self esteem.. Thank You John.. Never forgotten..
Tania

Mike & Nancy Vario

May 27, 2013

Sabrina, you and your children are in our hearts and prayers. May the God of all comfort bathe you with His comfort and love during this difficult time.

May 25, 2013

I knew John since he was a child we were neighbors he and my son were playmates. My deepest condolences

Ellen Morton

Charles Haney

May 25, 2013

Sabrina, you and the children are in our thoughts and prayers....we will be there for you.

Wendy Shipley

May 25, 2013

This amazing man, John Smith, has left us all with so many positive improvements, laugh inducing moments, and a friendship we will always cherish. You will never be forgotten. Our prayers and love will surround your family as they keep your "ripple effect" moving outward into the world. You will be missed.

Adam, Miranda & Jackson Bashaw

May 25, 2013

Deepest sympathies for the Smith family during these difficult times. John was an inspiration and a wonderful husband/father. Lots of love, the Bashaw family.

Peggy Crews

May 25, 2013

Lord be with his wife ..children Let John rest in peace .

Chris Horne

May 24, 2013

Praying for you and your family, Sabrina!

Russell Eicher

May 24, 2013

John, your suffering is over, may you rest in peace.

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