Daniel Marvin Smith

Met Dan through a mutual friend at church. A Renaissance Man, no question, with as many talents as I have ever seen in one human being.

I miss this guy.

I just found out of Dan´s passing yesterday. I am shocked and devastated and being able to read the memories shared here has brought some comfort.

I met Dan at a 4th of July party in San Diego, shortly before he moved to Austin. He rescued our neighbor who had gotten trapped on her balcony. We hit it off immediately and hung out a lot before I left for the east coast and he moved to Austin. We used to lay on his couch with Nietzsche and listen to music. Those two loved each other so much. As others have noted here, Dan had incredible taste in music. I always meant to ask him for a playlist, but never got around to it. It was infinitely better listening to music with Dan, not without him.

Dan was one of the smartest guys I have ever known. He introduced me to Marcus Aurelius and, of course, Nietzsche. He was the only person I have ever met out in the wild (outside of a law school) who had a copy of the Federalist Papers. He was a bag of surprises and always a perfect gentleman and a supporter. I wish I could have done more to support Dan.

I was really hoping to see Dan this year. I tacked a week in Austin onto a November trip and was waiting closer to the date to tell him I would be out there. I really wish I would have told him the day I booked the ticket (July 4th) how much I was looking forward to seeing him. I really wish I would have told him that day.

I am very grateful to have known Dan and spent time with him. The world now seems darker and less interesting without him in it.

I hope you are at peace, my friend. I miss you.

Dan and I were in the same cluster at business school. I´ll always remember him going all out, front row and center for a cluster dance we had to do during orientation. Seeing him have so much fun with it brought me out of my shell too. It was that moment where I instantly knew he was awesome.

The last time I saw Dan was at a wedding last year. He knew I was having a hard time with the current job market. After that, he would periodically check in on me to see how I was coping. I don´t know if he knew it at the time, but his gestures and words of encouragement really touched me. I felt the love for sure.

Dan, I hope you´re at peace and know how much I appreciate you. Missing you over here buddy.

Thank you for your service and commitment to our country, Dan.
Dan and I were connected by a mutual friend so I could help him find a home in Austin. After meeting the first time, I walked away and said, damn, he is that smarter-than-everyone-in-the-room kind of, crazy smart..he´s going to be A LOT to work with.
Despite meeting just once in person, he instantly put all his trust in me to find his home in Texas, the foundation for his new life. Dan-so detail oriented he would find a gnat in a photo-left it all; his home and his future-in my hands. Bought sight unseen, he fell in love and felt at home as soon as he walked through the door.
I saw you just a month ago, Dan. We laughed so hard we cried, bonding once again while we sang and rapped through our shared love for and lyrical knowledge of 90s rock & rap the restaurant and I played.
My friend. I pray you are at peace.
Heart shattered for your family.
Heartbroken for you

Dan and I met at the local dog park here in Austin and quickly discovered we had mutual Marine Corps and NYC friends. Furthermore, our dogs quickly become inseparable brothers.

In the short time that I knew Dan, he became such an impactful mentor & friend in my life. He was kind, caring, and his attention to detail was impeccable. His love for art, music, and philosophy was so rich and inspiring.

He was, in my opinion, a true renaissance man of stoic values.

Rest easy, brother. "Never above you, never below you, always beside you"

I didn't know Daniel, but I am the mother of a marine raider who passed in 2020. Today would be his birthday. I share your pain and your pride. We are family always will be.
Kathryn Steffen, mother of GySgtDiego Daniel Pongo

I´ll never forget a young Dan climbing the roof at the Davis Athletic Club holiday party his senior year of high school. Fearless. A true class act with a huge heart, on top of protecting our freedoms with his service. He will truly be missed.

Dan and I were teammates on our high school rugby team back in Davis, CA. He was a couple years older than me and always looked out for me like a big brother, I'm heartbroken to hear the news of his passing as I know he will be incredibly missed. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family.

Dan, rest in peace brother. Thank you for being an incredible classmate, teammate and friend to me. I'll miss you terribly.

I was in Dan´s cluster at CBS. Dan was the type of person who would do just about anything to help others. He also was never shy to share his opinion which I always really admired, but he also always listened to other people´s perspectives. He was one of the most genuine individuals and truly one of a kind.

I´m heartbroken to hear about his passing and sending thoughts and prayers for him and his family. He will be so missed. Rest in peace Dan.

I was Dan's club advisor at CBS during his time as Co-President. He was one of the most intense individuals and students I've ever worked with, but cared immensely about his peers and the club. I'm glad I had the opportunity to work as closely and frequently with him as I did. I'm still very much without words after hearing about this. He (and his family) are in my thoughts.

Scott Siegel

We met at Airborne school after my graduation from BRC and his graduation from Raider selection. We´d have awesome conversation and workouts at 41area gym while I was at 1st Recon.

Fair winds and Following seas brother.

-Alex Sanchez

There isn't much one can say to ease your sense of loss, but we want you to
know our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
You are in our prayers
Mary and Dick Castle
Dave's parents

I was in Dan's cluster at Columbia. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. Dan was a leader in our class - always speaking up and challenging professors with his perspective. He was also a kind, thoughtful, and caring classmate.

Dan and I had many long conversations, particularly when we traveled together to Alabama for a class project. He was always willing to help others. I also lived near Dan on the UWS and know how much he loved and cared for his dog Nietzsche. I was heartbroken to hear of his passing - he will be missed by so many. Rest in peace, Dan

Dan & the Marine Raider brothers were there for John Michael Wayne, Kitty, Molly & Tony. John Michael, Dan Price, Charlie Cartwright & all the Raiders in here and in Heaven will be there for Dan's family as well. Trust us on that one. Tap into his spirit and connect with through music, art, dogs and just the beauty of being outside. You'll connect with Dan all the time and he will stay close to you, too.

The paddle ceremony is such a marvelous tribute to honor fellow Raiders:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bn67sfioj5ti24bakl8sd/March-31-2023-Dan-Smith-Paddle-Ceremony.MP4?rlkey=hrq5xfrksf3oho1brwbogz0zz&st=lrmv5n76&dl=0

Dan gave us a flag and several others. They fly every day in front of Kitty & Tony's and Molly's homes.

I was in Dan's cluster at Columbia. Dan always inspired us with his leadership and can do attitude. He was also the consummate gentleman, kind, courteous and always willing to help out with a smile. I remember our times casing and working on group assignments fondly.

Rest in peace Dan. You will be missed.

The Stormy Squirrel, you were one of a kind and knowing I´ll never get to see you again is terrible. I was just talking to Jamie Purcell last week about how proud we were of you and blown away at your continued accomplishments.
We knew each other as angsty kids in a suburb where none of us really fit in. That community of rugby boys was something we all needed. Lots of memories to kick around from back in the day. I wish there were new ones and I wish I stayed in touch with you more. I´ll miss you brother.

I was in Dan's cluster at Columbia Business School. Dan brought in a vibe of calm, down to earth and warm when I first saw him. The more I know him the more I was impressed and touched by his kindness, honesty and humanity. He is like everyone's big brother being there for us, while demonstrating the best examples of leadership as an American hero.

Dan and I became close friends because of my curiosity in shooting. He taught me how to shoot and I was able to show him some dim sum culture and stories from China. In this process and the ongoing friendship, he taught me about patience, open-mindedness, and trust. He and his family in New York gave me supports in many ways and of course a lot of fun memories.

After graduation, we were so close to reunion but didn't make it happen. I feel very sad this is my last message to him.

Dear Dan's family, thank you for bringing this wonderful person to the world. My heart is broken and I wish you my deep condolences.

Dear Dan, I feel lucky to be your friend and learned so much from you. I wish I could talk to you more this year. We will miss you dearly. I am praying that you are at peace.

I was part of the same cluster as Dan during his time at Columbia Business School. I was constantly inspired by Dan´s dedication, work ethic and integrity. I learned so much just being in the same classroom as Dan. Shocked and saddened by this news. Hoping and praying you´re at peace, Dan.

I remember when Dan checked into Alpha Co prior to our 2011 deployment to Afghanistan. I didn´t get a chance to work closely with him for much of the deployment, but Dan left an impression of a very solid operator with incredible intellect. He and the rest of 8111 had a tough mission training and fighting alongside Afghan Commandos during that deployment. They were truly remarkable. He was a great dude and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Rest in peace Marine. Bless your heart. Love you, Geri Godsey

I remember when he was a Sgt when I got to 2nd LAR bn I was assigned to H&S company as the Ops Chief Daniel and Sgt Davis were my assistants at that time there was a show on tv about a skater guy who had a big black body guard and the other marines would always ask if it was them. He was always wanting to know more of whether I was working on to help me and the other marines he will be greatly missed what a great Marine

Dan was my next door neighbor at MILAGO in Austin Tx. As residents here, we are blessed to live in the most beautiful place in Austin directly on the trail next to the Lady Bird lake. This was Dan´s last place of residence and it is spectacular, beautiful full of nature all around. He deserved a place like this to live his final days.

Dan was very sweet and I saw him very often in the hallway usually walking with his beloved dog.
He was so generous to let us use his balcony to film a wedding that was taking place on the patio below. He offered refreshments and was super kind.

I will miss seeing him and his sweet smile.
So so so very grateful for his service to our country. And to learn of all the wonderful things that he did in his life in service to others.

Praying for comfort and healing for his family and friends and neighbors.
CINDY Chambless

I was a teammate of Dan´s when we were assigned to the Marine Raider Training Center. I didn´t know Dan prior to that, but I knew of him certainly. His reputation was extraordinary. I was instantly impressed by his intellect, but, more importantly, by his humility. I was humbled when he´d ask me to review papers he´d written prior to submittal while working on his bachelor´s when knowing damn well he was infinitely more talented than me.

Dan, you will be greatly missed and may you rest in peace. To Dan´s family and friends, my deepest condolences and may you find peace as time permits. ABY!

I was in Dan´s cluster at business school, and was immediately impressed by his professionalism, military accolades and accomplishments, wisdom, and friendliness. Being in a new world together at business school, I immediately found comfort in talking to Dan.

He jumped at every opportunity to help others. He loved paying it forward to veterans and helping them navigate transitions into the business world and business school. He spent time helping me prepare for consulting interviews when he had his own interviews to prepare for. He served as the Vets Club President - one of the many ways he advocated for veterans.

I always thought it was hilarious when he´d challenge our professors - something I definitely didn´t have the guts to do - I don´t think they were ready for that!

We will miss you dearly, Dan. I´m praying that you are at peace now. Love you!

Until we meet again, dearest one. I will always remember your joyous smile and kind spirit. I love you.... May you rest in Peace.

I worked with Dan closely when he was Co-President of the military in business Association at Columbia Business School when I was the head of the financial aid office. By far, Dan was one of my favorite students. He always looked out for his fellow classmates, making sure they had information that would help them pay for and navigate their degree. Through Dan, I learned of the Marine raider foundation and all of the great work happening in the organization. He brought people together and was a true joy. My heart is broken to hear of his passing and wishing his family my deep condolences. Sending you strength. - Marilena Botoulas

I was a cluster mate of Dan´s at Columbia Business School. Dan was always so kind and hardworking. I always loved talking to him - he was so positive with a great sense of humor. Dan was always willing to go above and beyond to help anyone in need. I was heartbroken to hear this news - he will be so missed.

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I never knew Dan while in service -- I was eating rocks in the Army rather than partaking in the crayon box. But I thought coming into business school post-service that I would leave that chapter of my life far behind so that I could have some space in separation.

Dan changed all of that for me by instantly jumping on the opportunity to help me as if I was his own. I had already submitted my application to school, but he hopped on the phone with me that same night we were introduced to not only coach me on how to prepare for my upcoming interview, but to endorse me wholeheartedly. It inspired me to do a full 180 on my views & the first thing I did at school was join the military club & volunteer to help with incoming Vets - I was so impressed by his character & generosity in taking care of people that I wanted to be a part of the same leadership that he showed me.

He continued to have such an impact on me that, when I went to propose to my wife, he was the "excuse" I had for why we needed to be where we were trekking. She never batted an eye or suspected a thing, despite being hungry, because she knew how highly I think of Dan.

I always hoped to repay Dan for his kindness one day, and he will forever be a friend that I think about to remember to keep in my examples of leaders (just good human beings) who I hope I can be like & make proud.

Thanks for everything, Dan. You changed my life for the better and did the same for so many others. It is an honor to have spent time with you, and I offer my sincerest gratitude & respects to your family.

While deployed with him in 2007, Smith would often share his favorite music with everyone making the time go by just a little easier. Rip friend -Chavez

I was one of Smittys senior Marines when he first got to the fleet. Both of us being assigned as gunners on LAV-25s, he wanted to know everything. We spent a ton of time going through the weapon system and teaching him everything I knew.
We were also together on his first deployment and spent a ton of time together. I am devastated, and will miss you deeply, but will keep your spirit and memory alive! Love you brother. Until Valhalla. We have the watch.

Dan, I met you through John Michael Wayne. It was an honor to know both of you. Although I am deeply saddened by your passing, I take comfort in knowing you and JMW have each other up in Heaven.
Til Valhalla and Semper Fi

Dan has always astonished me with his intelligence and big heart. After each of our conversations I wanted to learn more and regretted that such amazing person lives so far away.