Gayle Joseph Smith

Gayle Joseph Smith, 85, passed away on November 10, 2025, in Millcreek, Utah, surrounded by family. He was born on May 11, 1940, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Samuel James "Jim" Smith and Lawana Pearl Peterson Smith. Gayle married Ellen Hanson on July 22, 1965, and together raised 7 children. Gayle devoted his life to service, beginning with a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States Mission. Later, he and Ellen served together on an inner-city service mission in Salt Lake City, Utah, and spent several years as temple workers in the Salt Lake Temple. A testament to their enduring faith and lifelong commitment to serving others.

Gayle poured himself into family, friends, and community. He listened, advised, and no matter what, he was there whenever needed. Gayle was a constant source of support to Ellen in all her creative endeavors, and together they made a home known for its unmatched hospitality. Their doors and cupboards were always open to family, friends, neighbors, and anyone in need.

Gayle had a gift for connecting with people. Whether chatting with someone he knew or striking up a conversation with a stranger on a subway in New York, Gayle made everyone feel valued. He loved people deeply and complimented others generously. His laugh was memorable. It was warm, genuine, and capable of brightening any room. He also loved simple joys like ice cream, popcorn, caring for his yard, and watching his children and grandchildren play. Grateful for everyone in his life, Gayle was solution oriented, stubborn, and steadfast in his values, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and generosity.

Gayle graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Gayle also earned his Professional Engineer license which he maintained throughout his career. Gayle worked for the State of Utah for over three decades.

During that time, he focused on improving public health by ensuring safe drinking water for all. Among his many accomplishments, Gayle led the passage of Utah's Safe Drinking Water Act and helped shape national water policy. Gayle was a Co-Founder and served as Vice President and President of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA). He was deeply involved in national drinking water policy and advisory roles, including Chairman of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC), which provided advice to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act during the Ronald Reagan
administration. Gayle was respected for his collaborative spirit, mentorship, and tireless advocacy. His legacy lives on in the healthier communities he helped create and the many professionals he inspired.

Gayle is preceded in death by his parents, James and Pearl Smith, brother Paul Smith,
sister-in-law Betty Smith. Gayle is survived by his wife Ellen; Siblings - Alan Smith (Patricia), Lynn Smith, Craig Smith (Beverly), sister-in-law Karen; Children - Ray Smith (Becky), Kevin Smith (Heather), Hannah
Nez, Wendy Kerr (Robert), Melisa Kano (Cliff), Sam Smith (Amelia), Beki Hale (Mike); Grandchildren - Leah Nez, Parker Smith (Allie), Taylor Knowlton (Henry), Jacob Smith (Katie), Alyssa Knowlton, Zachary Smith, Sarah Turner (Josh), Rachel Chamberlin (Andrew), Emma Knowlton, Sierra Smith, James Knowlton (Emrie), Eliza Smith, Olivia Clark (Braden), Samuel Grady, Benjamin Smith, Elle Knowlton, Sabrina Smith, Cecilia Kano, Catelyn Knowlton, Max Hale, Annabella Smith, Drake Kano, Myles Hale, Jack Smith; Great-Grandchildren - Henry Smith, Peter Smith, Isla Smith, Claire Clark, Margaret Chamberlin

Gayle's family extends their deepest gratitude to the caregivers, hospice team, and medical staff whose compassion and dedication brought comfort and dignity to his final days. Boards & Honors
Director of Utah Division of Drinking Water for 22 years
Executive Secretary to Utah's Drinking Water Board for 22 years
National Drinking Water Advisory Council for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
NSF International and National Environmental Health Association
Chair, NSF Joint Committee on Drinking Water Additives; Council of Public
Health Consultants
Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA)
Co-Founder, Vice President and President
Rural Water Association of Utah – 22 years of outstanding service
American Water Works Association
Awards and Recognitions
National Rural Water Association (1981)
Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) (1987)
US Environmental Protection Agency, (1988)
American Water Works Association's George Warren Fuller Award (1990)
The Quality Advantage ODi (1992)
NSF International Environmental Leadership Award (1993)
Utah's Drinking Water Board (1993)
Walter F. Snyder Award (2002)
Rural Water Association of Utah (2002)
NSF Recognition (2005)
Utah Water Quality Alliance (2014)

Service Details
Viewing and funeral services to honor the life of Gayle Joseph Smith will be held at the Canyon Rim LDS Stake Center, 3051 South 2900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84109. Viewing: Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, and Friday, November 14, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM Family Prayer: Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11:30 AM Funeral Service: Friday, November 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM, Zoom link for remote viewing:
https://zoom.us/j/99327405504

Graveside Service: Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Fielding Memorial Cemetery, 4600 S Yellowstone Highway, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls

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