Laun C. Smith of Mesilla passed away peacefully on the evening of September 4. Laun was born in Hagerstown, Maryland in 1944 to Laun and Mary Smith. He was married to, and is survived by Sarah F. Smith. He raised two sons Timothy and Patrick Gay who survive him along with their wives Catherine Stefanavage and Gina Medina Gay. He dearly loved his grandchildren Roman Mendoza, Marcus Gay, Kelly Siebe-Gay, husband James Kassemi and their daughter Winter. Laun is also survived by many other Friends and loving Family members, near and far.

He received both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from NMSU. After a stint as reporter with the Las Cruces Sun News in the late 60's, he founded and served as Administrative Director of the Council for Youth in the 1970's. Laun worked as a dedicated Child Advocate, Parenting Coordinator, and Family Counselor in the Las Cruces area for over 40 years, serving in the Las Cruces Public Schools, private practice, and in the District Court System. He established the Massage Therapy Training Institute in 1999 which is now owned and operated by his son Timothy.

Laun will also be remembered for his great sense of humor and as a local singer/musician who played with a variety of talented friends over the years. He enjoyed traveling, scuba diving, and entertaining his family and friends on his patio in Old Mesilla. He was a political and community activist his entire life. A memorial celebration will be planned at a later date.

In memory of Laun, donations may be given to:
Southern Poverty Law Center www.splcenter.org
Mesilla Valley Hospice/La Posada www.mvhospice.org
Roadrunner Food Bank www.rrfb.org

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home. To sign the online guest book visit www.LaPaz-Grahams.com

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

Published by Las Cruces Sun-News on Sep. 10, 2017.

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Catherine Dean

September 12, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss, it was great seeing him a few weeks ago. He was a great teacher. My prayers are with you.

Van Pittsenbargar

September 11, 2017

Heartfelt condolences to Sarah and entire Smith family. May happy memories help you through this difficult time. Laun was a kind and generous man whom I'm thankful to have known. Best wishes and godspeed.

Leo & Kerri Medina

September 11, 2017

To the Smith and Gay families It is with great sorrow to here of Laun's passing, I know he will truly be missed by many. Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Sincerely,

Joe Fajardo

September 10, 2017

Thank you Laun for always being an advocate for the people that were fortunate enough to get to know you. I always loved to listen to your passion for the things that you believed in. You cared for people and I am convinced that you could do anything that you put your mind to. You probably did! I pray that your beautiful wife continues to inspire all those that she comes up to . RIP Laun! You will be missed!

Joe Fajardo

Artie Fountain

September 10, 2017

The world, and Old Mesilla both better thanks to your work in counseling, music, and the goodwill and humor you spread generously in your life. You'll be missed Laun, but you leave plenty of blessings behind that we will always enjoy.

Mark Filosa

September 10, 2017

I certainly did not know Laun very well, but I had the pleasure of working with him on a few domestic relations cases while he was the children's advocate and I was counsel for one of the parents. I had a very pleasant and insightful talk with him one summer afternoon in his Mesilla office about a troubling pending case, which revealed to me what a good man he was. I did not always agree with him, but it was obvious he was guided by his heart and his passion for the family. Every time I talked to him, he always brought up his family, and his eyes would glimmer. Obviously a family man, and a man not afraid "to rock the boat" when he thought something was not right. God Bless Laun Smith and watch over his family until they are together again.

Although the previous writer obviously knew Laun better, I wholeheartedly agree that he "used his ticket well!" How can one achieve more than that?

Mark A. Filosa
Lawyer
Truth or Consequences, NM

LEE MEDINA

September 10, 2017

REST IN PEACE MY GOOD OL BUDDY. YOU AND I GO BACK A LONG WAY. WE SHARED SOME GOOD TIMES TOGETHER WITH OUR FAMILIES DURING THE YEARS. YOUR SON PATRIC AND MY DAUGHTER GINA AND OUR GRAND KIDS BROUGHT US EVEN CLOSER THROUUGH THE YEARS. SOMEDAY WE WILL BE TOGETHER AGAIN. " GOD BLESS YOU."

September 10, 2017

REST IN PEACE MY GOOD OL BUDDY. YOU AND I GO BACK A LONG WAY. WE SHARED A LOT OF GOOD TIMES TOGETHER WITH OUR FAMILLIES. YOUR SON PATRIC AND MY DAUGHTER GINA AND OUR GRAND KIDS BROUGHT US EVEN CLOSER DURING THE YEARS YOU WILL BE IN MY HEART AND THOUGHTS FOREVER. " GOD BLESS YOU "

September 10, 2017

Laun..one of the great ole hippies, wonderful dad and granddad, avidity for life, always supporting the community and passion for the divine Sarah....his queen. We will miss you and celebrate your life..you certainly used your ticket well my friend.

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