Wendell McMeans Smoot

1943 - 2017

Wendell McMeans Smoot March 2, 1943 - November 15, 2017 San Diego Wendell McMeans Smoot III, a devoted husband and father, steadfast friend, skilled physician and a man of deep integrity, passed away November 15, 2017 in San Diego California. He was born to goodly parents, Barbara D. Smoot and Wendell M. Smoot Jr., in Atascadero, California, on March 2, 1943. During the war years, his childhood showed early promise of the many accomplishments that would come to define his life. Gifted with a graceful athletic body, he excelled in several sports but especially in track and field, setting state records while at East High School in Salt Lake City (SLC), graduating in 1961. It was there he also made strong friendships that have been nurtured for over fifty years.He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Utah where he affiliated with the Sigma Chi fraternity and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1967. He fulfilled an LDS Church mission to London, England from 1962-64 and grew spiritually under the tutelage of a loved mentor, Elder Marion D. Hanks. Upon his return home, he courted and to his great fortune, married Monetta Bostrom, his sweetheart, on June 12, 1967, with whom he had four sons, Paul B. Smoot (Leslie), Midway, Utah; Robert B. Smoot (Amanda), Portola Valley, California; Daniel C. Smoot (Candice), Provo, Utah; and Stephen D. Smoot (Julianne), Vienna, Virginia. Wendell and Monetta are proud to have 16 beautiful grandchildren.Wendell chose to make medicine his life's professional pursuit. He received his medical training at the University of Utah School of Medicine, graduating in 1970, and then served in the U.S. Air Force as a general surgeon from 1977-79 in Omaha, Nebraska. He received his plastic surgery training at the prestigious Cronin Brauer & Biggs Clinic in Houston, Texas. He was singularly blessed with gifted hands as a surgeon and was able to provide his expertise and skill throughout a long and satisfying career in San Diego. He was generous with his time and volunteered at InterFACE, traveling for more than 30 years to operate on children needing surgery from birth defects throughout Mexico.His commitment and fidelity to his faith were embedded into the fabric of his life. He loved to serve, which he did in many assignments including teaching gospel doctrine, leading local missionary efforts, and serving in the San Diego temple. He counted as special service his years (1995-2000) as the bishop of the Del Mar Ward where he was a compassionate listener and devoted shepherd. Above all else, Wendell had an abiding testimony in the mission of Jesus Christ and strove diligently to follow Him.He had a love of the outdoors and spent wonderful years at a family cabin on the Snake River in Island Park, Idaho, where he watched children and grandchildren come to enjoy the serenity and beauty of this mountain home. He enjoyed the taste of a rainbow trout freshly caught at the end of his fly rod. He was actively involved in Boy Scouts, often leading camping expeditions and other meaningful activities with youth and his four sons. He enjoyed a good round of golf and traveling with his family and closest friends.His passing has rekindled the family's gratitude for the life of a man who knew not only what mattered most - the joy of family, the blessings of friendship, the love of service to others - but shared that knowledge with his posterity. He was without exception a good and honorable man whose influence cannot be measured.He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Monetta, children and grandchildren, and siblings, Margaret - SLC, Utah; Dr. David - SLC, Utah; Dr. John (Jan) - San Diego; and Mary Mather (Jeff) - St. George, Utah; and many nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death. A memorial service in his honor will be held at the LDS Church located at 14191 Camino del Sur, San Diego, CA on Monday, November 20th at 2:00PM. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in SLC, Utah at a later date. All who would like to celebrate and remember his extraordinary life and legacy are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to InterFACE (www.interfacekids.org).