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John Daren "JD" Smith

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University of Utah

John Smith Obituary

John Daren "JD" Smith 11/3/70 ~ 2/25/03 John Daren "JD" Smith passed from this life while doing what he loved most, flying. He passed away while serving in the US Army on a training mission in Kuwait. He was a loving father, husband, son, brother, uncle, soldier and friend. Daren was born in Prescott Arizona to Donna K. Smith and Ronald J. Smith. He was an Eagle Scout, a graduate of Taylorsville High in 1989, served an LDS mission to Italy and after his return home he graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Italian. Daren married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Meredith Mackay, on September 2, 1993 in the Salt Lake Temple and were later blessed with two beautiful daughters, Kiara (8) and Madeline (4). At the time of his passing he was finishing his final class to complete his Masters Degree. Daren was an avid rock climber and snow border. Daren's dream was to climb the Dolomites,, in the Italian Alps, which he did before his passing. Daren was fortunate enough to have two families, the one he was born to and the one he married into. He is survived by his wife Meredith, his children Kiara and Madeline; parents Donna Smith and Ron Smith; brothers Mark and Skyler (Jayme); sisters Kim and Dawn (Marcos); nephews Griffin and Caden; grandparents Jack and Thelma Smith; step-mother Connie Smith and step-sister Kristine Johnson Hallbom. Daren is also survived by his in-laws Lynn and Anna Lee Mackay; brother-in-laws Scott, Doug (Misty) and Phil (Keli); sister-in-law Allison (Jason); nephew Ethan; nieces Megan, Amanda, Alexis, Kristen and Ana; and grandmother Barbara Mackay. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins who loved him dearly, and friends to numerous to mention. Daren was preceded in death by his grandparents Al Robinson and Anne Robinson, grandmother Mercie Cluff and step-brother Douglas S. Johnson. Memorial services will be held on Monday, March 3, 2003, 12 noon at the Westland LDS Stake Center, 7265 South 2700 West in West Jordan, Utah. Friends may call Sunday evening March 2, 2003, 6-8:00 p.m. at the Westland 4th and 8th Ward building, 7171 South 2700 West, West Jordan, Utah. The family has set up an e-mail address and has requested that friends and family who have a special story about Daren please e-mail them to: [email protected]. A book of memories will be compiled to give to his wife and children. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund, "In Memory of John Daren Smith", has been established at Wells Fargo Bank (Nationwide) to assist with the care and education of his daughters. Under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home.

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for John Smith

58 Entries

Charles Gili

June 9, 2018

Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of John Daren JD Smith US Army Chief Warrant Officer 2. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Peggy Childers

February 28, 2012

February 25, 2012
To the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer John D. Smith:
Always remembering John. "Some gave all."

Peggy Childers

February 25, 2011

To the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer John D. Smith:
Please accept my remembrance of John on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Pamela Wiscombe

August 21, 2010

Thank you so much for your service to this country. We are sad for your loss and hope you know that we will never forget you. You served in honor and in grace to protect our great country. May you find peace and comfort. Thank-you so much for my freedom.

Kenna

April 5, 2010

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,100 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
[email protected]
www.heropaintings.com

Peggy Childers

February 24, 2010

To the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer John D. Smith:
Remembering John on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Jason Day

May 25, 2009

JD, Today I remember you and give thanks to the service you gave to our country. Today the world is a better place because you were here and heaven is honored to have such a soul!

Your Friend,
Jason

May 24, 2009

To let your family know, you are not forgotten this Memorial day

Peggy Childers

February 26, 2009

To the family of Chief Warrant Officer John D. Smith:
John gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Jason Day

September 9, 2008

I just learned of JD's passing today. I must say that I am very sad to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with him at an outdoor shop in SLC. He was a fantastic person and a great teacher and inspiration. I will miss him. My prayers go out to Meredith and his daughters. I don't know if you remember me, but I am the one who brought a Tiramisu to you when you were moving. May God guard your soul.
Jason Day

July 11, 2008

A Prayer For Our Soldiers ~~

DEAR FATHER UP IN HEAVEN
WE COME HUMBLY TO YOU TODAY,
THINKING OF OUR SOLDIERS
WHO ARE VERY FAR AWAY........

WE ASK FOR YOUR PROTECTION LORD
PLEASE KEEP THEM SAFE AND WARM,
AND WHEN EVIL LURKS AROUND THEM
KEEP THEM FROM ALL HARM........

BLESS EACH FAMILY AND THEIR CHILDREN
WHO GO THROUGH DRED EACH DAY
WONDERING IF THEY WILL COME HOME
OR ARE THEY GONE TO STAY.......

GOD PLEASE PROTECT OUR SOLDIERS
WHO FIGHT FOR OUR COUNTRYS NAME,
PLEASE DEAR LORD KEEP THEM SAFE
AND BRING THEM HOME AGAIN........

OUR COUNTRY STANDS FOR FREEDOM
WE FIGHT TO KEEP THE CAUSE,
WE MUST ALL STAND TOGETHER
NO MATTER WHAT THE COST......

SO DEAR FATHER UP IN HEAVEN
WONT YOU HEAR OUR PLEA,
BRING PEACE TO EVERY NATION LORD
SO OUR COUNTRY WILL BE FREE........

...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

2 Cor 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
The Goodness of God shines brightly through the lives of Travis' family even in this tragic loss. PTL they know the hope that comes from knowing Jesus and they will see him again one day. May you always find comfort and strength through Him-God will lift you up through others at times... and has certainly shown Himself gloriously through each of you!
Phil 1:12-13 I see being lived out in this time... :-) God Bless and keep you all!!!

...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

The Neal family

April 23, 2008

To the Smith family,
Please know that just as your loved one will forever remain in your hearts and minds, his sacrifice and that of your family, will remain with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.

November 8, 2007

You are remembered and respected. Thank you CWO Smith!

August 3, 2007

If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

July 5, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Chief Warrant Officer Smith and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Linda Flannery

June 7, 2007

Remembering and honoring one of America's brave soldiers.
You are not forgotten Chief Warrent Officer Smith.
My flag flies in your honor.

Garnet Jenkins

September 16, 2006

May Chief Warrant Officer John D. Smith rest in God's Loving Care and know that he shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

I Pray that God's healing Comfort will continue to be with the Smith family.

There will never be enough ways, to humbly thank these Heroes, for their Supreme Sacrifice,

my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.

"The soldier, above all others, is required to perform the

highest act of religious teaching--SACRIFICE."

~General Douglas MacArthur~

May the memories of your loved one, comfort you and may they live in your heart always.

Tom GugliuzzasSmith

February 14, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Smith family in the loss of John. I did not know John, but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a fine young man and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. John, next week will be three years since you were taken, but you will not be forgotten.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom

To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

shawnee

January 7, 2006

Thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. You are truly an American hero, and will not be forgotten. May God give your family peace and understanding. Rest in peace.

Irene West

April 3, 2003

Dear Meredith: You won't remember me, but I shall never forget you. You were a sweet, sweet child and a joy to teach. Know that we love you and pray that you will be comforted and blessed with peace. Much love and gratitude for Daren's sacrifice. Irene West

Jeremy Dearden

March 10, 2003

Meredith,

I'm not sure if you remember me from Taylorsville H.S. or not, but I remember the good times and memories I shared with Daren. My condolences to you and your family at this time.

Sincerely,

Jeremy

John and Kari Andrus

March 9, 2003

Meredith, Madeline, Kiara,

John only knew JD for a few short months, but he quickly had a brother-like bond with him. He will be sorely missed by us, the community, the Army, and all the world. The skies will not be the same without him. We keep you all in our hearts and prayers. God Bless your family during this very difficult time.

Alison Bateman

March 5, 2003

Meredith, Kiara and Madeline, We are so sorry for your loss. Your friendship, example, and teaching of our children has meant so much to us. The many acts of service and kindness that you extended to us while living in the circle will never be forgotten. May the Lord bless you all, and keep you in His loving care always. Keep the faith. Be strong as Daren was and in time, you will be together again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rebecca Bohmholdt Akester

March 4, 2003

I was so shocked and saddened when I learned of Daren's passing. Ironically, on the night I saw the announcement on the news, I had thought of Daren and Meredith's great relationship. Years ago, Susan and I were invitied to a dinner at your home in Taylorsville. At the time, Susan and I were single and you and Daren were sharing the story of your meeting with us. We looked at your wedding pictures and listened to you both share your sweet feelings for each other. During my conversation with Susan, I was reminded of YOU, Daren and Meredith's courtship. Anyway, that night when the evening news came on, and the announcement was made that one of the pilots that were killed in the Black Hawk helicopter was from Utah, I didn't pay much attention until they announced the name and I saw Daren's handsome face. I was so overcome with emotion. He too good...He's too young...He's got so much going for him...not yet, what about Meredith...what about his darling girls. These were some of my thoughts. I haven't stopped praying for you and your family. I am so sorry this happened.

My love, thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during these difficult days ahead.

Jenni Schaffer (Clements)

March 4, 2003

Meredith

I don't know if you remember me from high school. When I heard about Daren's passing I wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that you will be together with Daren again.

Shay Thornton-Lavallee

March 4, 2003

Meredith and family,

You probably won't remeber me but I took Ballet lessons with you at LeAnn Royal's many years ago.

I just want to say how deeply sorry my family and I are for your loss. You and your girls will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Peter Felis

March 4, 2003

Meredith,Im so sorry to hear about the loss of Darren.My prayers are with you and your beautiful daughters.

Tony & Patricia Rizzuto

March 3, 2003

Thanks to a Man who was called to serve our Country, and left to soon.

Charlotte Bailey

March 3, 2003

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is a hard thing to go through. You and your family are in my prayers.

Becky Ewell (Carroll)

March 3, 2003

I went to High School with Daren.

I was certainly saddened to learn of his death. My thoughts and prayers are with Meredith and their two beautiful daughters. Daren was a good man and will be greatly missed!

Jeff & Nicole Hansen

March 3, 2003

Donna & family: Condolences from our family to yours. I have fond memories growing up across the street from Daren. May God bless you and your family with comfort and peace. What an an honor to know that he passed on doing what he loved and serving his country.

Meredith, our heart goes out to you and your beautiful daughters. Our prayers are with you.

Roone,Kelli,Alexa,&Chase McKaig

March 3, 2003

Meredith,Kiara,Maddie,and Family,

You're family holds a special place in our hearts, we will keep all of you in our prayers. We will always be here for you if you need us. We love you very much.

Wesley Holley

March 3, 2003

Meredith,

I am sure you don't remember me, but, my sister Shelley Tholen was in your ward growing up. My family and I are saddened by your terrible loss. Your husband was a true hero that allowed us to live in security. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your children.

Elliot & Zola Mickelson

March 3, 2003

Donna and Family,

We just returned form a very special Memorial Service for Daren. The services were a great tribute to Daren's life and character, many attributes of his mother were exhibited in his life to Donna's own. Bless you and thank you.

Josh and Holly Jones

March 3, 2003

Meredith, Kiara, and Maddy,

We will not ever forget your family. You have ment alot to us this past year and a half and always will. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Josh, Holly, Lindsey and Natters

Manuelita Ching

March 3, 2003

I am one of Dawn's co-workers and I would like to express my condolences

to her and the family. My thoughts are with you. May God Bless You All!!!

Mindy Erdmann

March 3, 2003

Thanks for all of the good times. Berlin, Cortina, Piancavallo.

Alysia and Ryan Jensen

March 3, 2003

I wish so much that I could take away some of the pain and suffering that you are going through during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.

Love,

Alysia and Ryan Jensen

Silvana Nicoletti

March 3, 2003

JD made our american dreams true for a little time. He was a big brother for us. We all of the italian english class never forget him.

Meredith Kiara and Madeline

GOD BLESS YOU!

We are praying for you.

Sorry for my bad english.

LOVE

Troy & Valerie Wallace

March 3, 2003

Meredith,

We are so sorry for your loss and we love you so much! We are both nearby if you need anything at all.

Valerie & Troy

Tammy Turner (Garcia)

March 2, 2003

Dear Meredith and Family,

I am saddened to hear about your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Sincerely,

Tammy L. Turner ( Garcia )

David Turner

Tiffany Pace

Jessica Turner

Lindsay and Lesa Mann

March 2, 2003

Uncle Jack, Aunt Thelma, Ron and Meredith,

We were so sorry to read of Daren's passing. It was a pleasure to meet you all at the family reunion this past summer and are glad we had a chance to meet Daren that day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

Lindsay and Lesa Mann and Family

(Vance's daughter)

Katrina Hartranft

March 2, 2003

My heart is deeply saddened! I pray for you and your family and my heart goes out to the two girls. I don't know you personally but I lost my father only a few months ago. It is very hard and it will be a long time before they will feel better. I appreciate all of the men that serve for our country including your husband. May God be with you.

Troy and Wendy Peterson

March 2, 2003

Meredith - We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Kimberly Sorensen

March 2, 2003

Meredith, I am so sorry to hear about Daren. You and your girls are in my thoughts and in my prayers. Kim

Kelli Smith

March 2, 2003

Meredith, Kiara, Madeline, and all the family-

I cannot put in to words my sorrow! Your family means so much to me. Meredith, you and Daren's friendship and teaching have meant so much to me. There are few in this world who exceed the amount of admiration and love I feel for the both of you. You have enriched my life in so many ways. Let me know if I can help in any way. All my love and condolences. Kelli

Terry & Nancy Smith

March 2, 2003

Donna and Family:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marci Vasic (Short)

March 1, 2003

Meredith,

My deepest sympathies go to you and your daughters. I am glad to know of the wonderful ward to which you have arrived and know that they will do all that they can for you and your daughters. May God be with you and your family.

Sherrie McCray

March 1, 2003

Donna,

Jessie, Shellise, Bret and I were very sad to hear of your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Michelle Drachman (Johnson)

March 1, 2003

Meredith,

I am so deeply saddened to hear about Daren. My heart aches for you, and your girls, and the loss you have suffered. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God Bless you, and your family through this most difficult time.

Love, Michelle Drachman

Bret McCray

March 1, 2003

I didn't know John (Daren) but both of my children have had his mother as their second grade teacher and I know how proud of her son she was because of our "military family" relationship. Mrs. Smith always made it a point to use Daren as a teaching point to my kids and it helps them to understand a little bit better what their dad does and makes my job a lot easier when I have to explain the hard parts of my job to them. Thanks again Mrs. Smith...

Torrey Harmon

March 1, 2003

I grew up in the same neighborhood as Daren. My wife, Jen, and I also knew Daren as friends of his wife's family. He was always very excited about life - energetic, happy, fun to be around. I know he was a great husband, father, practical joker, and friend to everyone.

Boyd Jackson

March 1, 2003

I pray the honors of a great person will be live in his family's hearts. Please accept my condolances. B.Jxn

Tandy Larson

March 1, 2003

Meredith, Kiara, Madeline and family:

We are so sorry for your loss and pray that you will be comforted and blessed at this time and during the hard days to come. We love you!

Tandy, Aaron and Maddie Larson

Lisa White (Lindsley)

March 1, 2003

Meredith,

I am deeply saddened to hear about Daren. My thoughts and prayers are with you, the girls and your family.

John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

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