Gordon Lee Smith

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Gordon Lee Smith, age 88, on December 27, 2025, in Lindon, Utah, surrounded by his loving family.

Gordon was born on July 17, 1937 in Denver, Colorado, to Jay and Relia Smith. He was raised alongside his two brothers, Jay and Steve, and his sister, Sandra. His childhood was spent in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Boise, Idaho, where he developed lifelong interests in music and athletics. Gordon played the clarinet and participated in a variety of sports, excelling particularly in tennis, a passion that remained with him throughout his life.

Gordon graduated with honors from Boise High School and went on to attend Brigham Young University. After two years, Gordon paused his studies to serve as a missionary in the Eastern States Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his mission, he formed cherished relationships that endured throughout his life. He especially enjoyed sharing his experience in the Hill Cumorah Pageant, where he appeared as a trumpeting angel-and fell off the stage, earning himself the title of a "fallen angel." He took great pride in seeing his sons and multiple grandchildren serve missions for the Church.

Upon returning home, Gordon completed his education at BYU where he developed life-long friendships and earned a degree in accounting. He remained a devoted BYU sports fan throughout his life. Following graduation, he moved to Southern California, where he began his professional career. While living there, he met a beautiful young woman, Helga Ann Bringhurst, at a Wilshire Ward church dance in California. Their love quickly blossomed, and they were married on June 21, 1963, in the Los Angeles temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gordon and Ann were blessed with four children: sons Bryan, Craig, and David and daughter Cheryl Ann and shared more than 60 years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They lived in several places over the years, including Westchester and Northridge, California; Holladay, Utah; Bellevue, Washington; Boise, Idaho; and finally, Lindon, Utah. Wherever Gordon lived, his outgoing, joyful personality drew people to him, making him the life of the party. Together, Gordon and Ann enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe with family and friends. Gordon missed Ann deeply following her passing in January 2024.

Gordon's professional career included executive management and leadership roles with Sav-On Drugs, the University of Utah, Skaggs Drug Stores, and the Pay 'n Save Corporation. Later, he helped launch CMS Casuals, a screen-printing business known for its shirts with whimsical duck cartoons and clever, "punny" phrases. Gordon took great pride in the success of the business and delighted in how much people loved the shirts.

A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon faithfully served in many church callings throughout his life. He had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and expressed his faith through consistent service and genuine love for others. He had a deep interest in Church history, especially the life of Joseph Smith, whom he knew to be the prophet of the restoration. Gordon was also proud of his pioneer heritage and greatly enjoyed learning about and sharing the stories of his ancestors who crossed the plains from Nauvoo to the Salt Lake Valley.

Above all else, Gordon treasured his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. These relationships were his greatest joy. He leaves a legacy of love and inspiration to his four children, twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He truly loved being a grandpa, and his kindness, encouragement, and unwavering love will be dearly missed.

Gordon is lovingly remembered by his brothers, Jay (Jenavee) and Steven (Becky); his children, Bryan (Melanie), Craig (Jill), David (Ganelle), and Cheryl (Tyler) Wangsgard; grandchildren Nikki, Michael, Kelsey (Brian) Skidmore, Adrianne (Viliami) Kulu, Jake (Kennedy), Josh, Trevor (Kate), Trenton, Brayden, Annalee, Cambry, and Heidi; and great-grandchildren Dean, Nora, and Clara Anne Skidmore, and Ivalani and To'atava Kulu.

A celebration of Gordon's life will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Lindon Tenth Ward Chapel, 1051 East 200 South, Lindon, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing from 9:30 – 10:45 am prior to the service. Interment will be in the Lindon City Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Gordon's family and friends, the leadership and members of the Lindon 10th Ward and the Lindon 25th Branch, and the compassionate staff and residents at Spring Gardens Assisted Living and Serenity Hospice.

Gordon's radiant spirit and enduring love will forever be etched in our hearts.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.