Brian P. Smith

Brian P. Smith, 47, died December 8, 2022, after a long struggle with bipolar disorder and substance use disorder. Born in Danvers to Laura (Swanson) McLaughlin and the late Lee Smith, he was raised with the help of step-parents Marie Smith and the late David McLaughlin.
Loving Brian Smith was complicated. He caused blessings and worry, provided support and pain. He made us laugh and cry. His life mattered.
Brian struggled with bipolar disorder, trauma, and addiction throughout his life. He loved his family over all else, and we choose to remember his passion, creativity, and ability to bring joy to the lives of children. Brian was brilliant, funny, and charismatic. He was a natural dancer and lifelong athlete. He loved playing his guitar, and could often be seen with it in Boston's South End during his many long walks through the city. His love of music lives on in the next generation of our family, and there is no greater legacy we can imagine for him.
He is survived by a son, Jackson Bowser of Hampton, NH; a daughter, Madison Hardy of Sandown, NH; three brothers, Christopher Smith and his family Shannon, Austin, and Arianna of Gloucester, Lee Smith and his children Aleah and Hailey of Beverly, Jake McLaughlin and his wife Angela of Roslindale; three sisters, Shannon Smith and her daughter Lashaia of Hiram, GA, Lindsey Marchand and her family Richard, Owen, and Samuel of Townsend, Caitlin Beaulieu and her family Joseph, Madeleine, and Cormac of South Portland, ME. He was predeceased by nephew Jalen Everett.
Visiting hours will be held at the Campbell Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester on Saturday, December 17, 2022, from 1:30 to 4:00 pm with an open house from 4:30 to 7:00 pm at his brother's home in Gloucester. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to The Pine Street Inn of Boston, MA, who cared for him frequently during the most trying years of his life and always treated him with kindness and respect. Information, directions, and condolences may be found at www.campbellfuneral.com.