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Nathan Smith Obituary
Fairbanks resident Nathan Smith, 32, died on May 24, 2009, in an unfortunate three-wheeler accident.
Nathan was born March 6, 1977. He proudly fought for our freedom during two tours in the Persian Gulf. He worked at Nissan as a master technician, and was a very accomplished tradesman.
"Smitty," as his close friends called him, was a vibrant, fun-loving individual. He was a little rough around the edges, but all of his friends and family concur: He was true blue.
His generous nature was as well known as his talent with rebuilding old three-wheelers -- his passion. Indeed, he could fix anything, and we will all truly miss him. Ride Red, Smitty!
He is survived by his children, Tristin Joseph and Kylie Smith; his fiancee, April Mudge; his parents, Frances and James Smith Jr.; his siblings, Jared and Julie Smith; his maternal grandparents, Gloria and Richard Lynch; step-grandmother, Nancy Lynch; and his paternal grandparents, Maureen and James Smith Sr.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 29, from
4-5 p.m. at Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home in Fairbanks.
Arrangements were by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nathan Smith
Bob Flade
May 15, 2024
I see his stone every time I visit my parents in the RI Vet Cemetery. I´m so sorry for your loss.
Kylie Smith
December 9, 2017
Hi daddy. Just wanted to tell you I miss you. Im 14 now. Its been almost 8 years. Not a day goes by that I dont think of you. Wish you were still here. I love and miss you
April
June 27, 2009
Nathan - Words cannot describe how difficult it is for me to let you go. You're the best, baby - I will never forget your eyes, your smile, or your generous heart. Rest easy love, that in death, just as in life, your Mom and I will see that you are afforded the dignity and respect that you deserve. I thank you so much for teaching Anika and Dylan to be confident, and for healing my heart. You are kind, generous, loving and talented in so many ways, and I will never forget you - how can I? Half of me is now gone. I love you so much baby - Ride Red - I miss you.
Amy Johnson-Irons
June 21, 2009
I am so sad to hear the devastating news about Nathan. I remember Nathan as a very happy go lucky kid with a smile to share every time he saw you. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. While working at Wawaloam Nathan would hang out with me on the pool deck to keep me company and sometimes bring me doritos. Fran I know how proud you are of Nathan, Jarad, and Julie because you shared those words with me many times at the pool side. I cannot even imagine the pain you are going through. I am forever sorry for your loss. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky Szura
June 19, 2009
I was crushed to hear of Nathans death. Although alot of time has passed I will never forget him or the years I worked at wawaloam. He would come to sit with me for hours and make me laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sherri Souto Ferri and Family
June 17, 2009
I was so heartbroken to hear of Nathans death. I have so many memories of our childhood at Wawaloam, Nathan was my very first crush, he was kind and funny outgoing and loving always had a smile for you. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family, I am SO SORRY for your loss.
Katrina Wogoman
June 14, 2009
Many prayers to the family of this wonderful man. You will be missed.
James Matterson & Family
June 14, 2009
What do I say, Jim Fran I wish I new in time I would have been at your sides. As the great Wolf spirits say all the rain drops in the world could not even come close to the tears of sorrow I feel for you all, if I only had the power to turn back time for so many reason in life I would do it for you. The memories the happiness is all any of us have in these times and in these times let the spirits guide you through out live to try to keep the smile upon your face for all the good times in life that we all are allowed to have will be cherished in thought for the rest of our lives. For all of you, beleive and the great spirits will lift you to a higher place to see and understand. From my Heart I LOVE YOU ALL FOREVER AND EVER YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS.
Jim Matterson (WOLFMAN)
June 9, 2009
We only knew Nathan as a very young boy but when I think back to those times, he was always sweet and polite. Our thoughts go out to his entire family, his family in Alaska and in Massachusetts - and in Rhode Island to Fran and Jimmy ...the years go by so quickly. Fran and Jimmy, we were so saddened to hear about your loss and while words cannot begin to express what you must be going through, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. John & Janice Lampman
Peggy Sherblum
June 3, 2009
Nicole, Todd and Smith family
Sorry, to hear about your loss. My prayers are with and your family at this.
me and you
Stephanie Benner
June 2, 2009
Dear Nate, I don't even know where to begin, so as far as me and you go, we go back along way. I'm very sad to hear what happened to you it was nothing id ever expected. It was a freak accident that should not have been. My thoughts go out to your children,and to your family. (fran,Jim,jared and julie..)I know its been awhile and the last time i saw you was about 7 years ago,when you last came home. You came home from alaska, stayed and visited for awhile and then you packed up and drove all the way back. Thinking to myself what the hell is he thinking? Dude your crazy! But that was you, and its where you lived, you made it your home..and i missed you being around, we laughed and cried so hard about things that no-one will know except for me and you..that will always be. We shared and a good friendship,and We always seemed to pick up where we left off. I was hoping someday you would come home and stay, but you had a life there with your family. You seemed very happy to go back and did not want to be selfish to ask you to stay. I know how hard you tried to figure life out,on your own and be a man and do your thing.You always wanted to explore and you were always so adventurous...i will remember you always and the way you were.You will be sadly missed and never forgotten. Love always Stephanie Benner/King
June 1, 2009
April our thoughts are with you and all the children.
Janlee Crawford
June 1, 2009
Nathan - you will be missed dearly. My thoughts and sympathy and love to all your family, Fran, Jimmy, Jared and Julie.
June 1, 2009
To the smith family,nathans children, and all who knew him I am so sorry, Nathan was a big part of my childhood at wawaloam. He was like a big brother to me, and best friend to my sister. All of my best memories are at wawaloam hanging out. You all have always felt like family. Again I am so sorry.
Jennifer Place
May 31, 2009
As a young boy "Nate" always had a smile on his face, a helping hand and a song to sing. I enjoyed listening to him play the guitar and sing. I only saw Nate a few times over the years, But Fran kept me up to date with how proud she was and what a fine man he had grown to be. Nate, I will remember you always.
To: Fran, Jimmy, Jared, Julie, April , Tristin and Kylie~~~~
May knowing others care help you through this troubled time. Your in every thought , every hope and every prayer. In Sympathy, Jennifer, Eliza, Emmaline and Kennith
Sabrina Townsend
May 30, 2009
My prayers are with you and your family!
With Love Sabrina
Tom Palmer
May 29, 2009
Nate,
I will always remember your friendship and support during our high school years. We had a lot of fun together and did some crazy things- riding bikes, playing pranks, and dreaming up brilliant ideas (that we never actually carried through on cuz life always seemed to get in the way.) You were a true friend and true friends are hard to find. You will be forever missed and remembered.
Your friend,
Tommy Palmer
Tammy
May 29, 2009
There were many hard times between us,but yet there were also many good times we had.I know we had our differences,but we always worked through it! This is something that shouldnt of happened, but atleast I can say that your in a safe place and god will take care of you! I know that you will always be looking down at our children watching them grow. I promise that I will always take care of them and let them know everyday that you love them very much. I will guide them in the way you wanted me to and keep them close to all family, even Grandma and Grandpa Smith. I promise that I will do the very best that I can in making sure that they grow up to be responsible, respectful, and hard working just like their daddy! Never....will you be forgotton with the children nor myself. You are loved by alot of family and many close friends, and I will always be your close friend! R.I.P Nathan and I will miss you!
May 29, 2009
Nathan there are no words to say how much i will miss you. Remembering you as a baby at the cabin when i would come for the summers, you were more like alittle brother than a nephew. Later on i would come for visits, and you always seemed to be grounded when i came, talked your mom into letting me take you out to do things with us, Newport Mansions ,the beach. You are one of sweetest kids in the world. I will think of you everyday, and try not to cry, cause i know you are safe where you are now. I will always love you and miss you Nathan. God has you now....Love Auntie Gina, your cousins, Jessica and Kaitlyn..
Keri Phillips-Blais
May 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your friends.
Susan Campbell Norregaard
May 29, 2009
Nathan you left your mark no matter where you where. Thank you for your selfless gift to our country in guarding the red white and blue. The memories at the campground will live forever. Thank you for the laughter and the smiles.
Love forever
The Campbell Family
Jessica
May 28, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with the entire Smith family. I knew Nate from Tammy and their children as Tammy and her entire family are close friends of mine. They are also in my prayers. R I P NATE!
Love from Jessica, Devin, Donata and Deytrell
Trisha Sullivan-Blanch
May 28, 2009
Nathan, I can't believe you're gone. Most of my best memories of growing up are with you & our friends at Wawaloam. I remember as a kid how much you loved soccer and your dog Bear and I remember as a teenager how you loved the Doors, arm wrestling, playing ping pong, walking down that long dirt road and you always talked about going to Alaska. I was shocked as we all were when you told us you joined the Army, but we were all so proud of you. You always had a smile on your face. You truly are the bravest person I know - you went and followed your dreams and from what it sounds like, you had a beautiful life there in Alaska. There are so many things I would love to say, but I would go on forever. You were always such a great person. My heart and prayers go out to Fran, Jim, Jared, Julie, your children and everyone who loves you. You will be missed.
"Uncle" Greg, Brandi & Kids~
May 28, 2009
Missing You Greatly...You are in our minds & in our hearts~& from us "Nate" You will NEVER part! We will hold onto all our good memories forever! Until we meet again our friend...this is the end~We LOVE YOU!~"MAN" & to his family~ Tristin & Kylie -April, -Jimmy & Fran ~ Jared & Julie...our thoughts are with you all in your time of hurt & sorrow~deepest sympathy, all our love~
May 28, 2009
Such a sad and unfortunate accident. What was supposed be a nice weekend of fun turned to tragedy. I send my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Larry Benner
May 28, 2009
Nathan, We all Love you and will miss you dearly.We will cheerish the time we spent together in the early years...the memories,the laughter,camping,playing,all of it.Our hearts go out to your family and friends throughout the USA. Love,Larry,Jody,Cole,Jordan....Stephanie,Joan,Shawn,Diane and the rest of our family to yours.We've lost a great person...May God bless you.(Richmond,RI) My deepest sympathy goes out to you..Jimmy,Fran,Jared and Julie.
May 28, 2009
May 28, 2009 - Nathan,
The memories back home and @ Job Drive of you w/David & Tommy I will always keep w/me. Bicycle parts, screw drivers etc @ my front door, as you guys go down the driveway..your Mom and I always calling and checking on you kids, wondering where you are? Then as an adult you living far away but calling the house and checking in, when home for a visit you always stopped to say Hi. Your kind and polite way that you had, will be missed so much. Thanks for being a good kid. Love, Mrs Robar
(Richmond RI)
Uncle Danny
May 28, 2009
I love you and will miss you Nathan
aunt gina
May 28, 2009
I love you and will miss you my nephew.
Tristin & Kylie Smith
May 28, 2009
DEAR DADDY
We loved our daddy very much and glad that he is in a safe place with God! We will always remember him and pray for him every night! We will alway's remember all the fun times we shared with daddy, and the rides we went on with him. We will always keep our 3 wheelers he bought us and put together for us safe.
Here is a poem for our daddy:
Watch Over Me
Please watch over me
I'm not sure where I should be
if I should ever tumble down
I want you to be around
all my bruises you can kiss
I'll let you know if there's one you miss
and if I don't understand
please explain and hold my hand
just don't forget to give a hug
then tell me that we'll snuggle-bug
and when you tuck me in at night
don't forget to say sleep tight!
WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOU IN OUR DREAMS DADDY! wE WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH, LOVE ALWAYS, YOUR CHILDREN KYLIE FRANCES SMITH AND TRISTIN JOSEPH SMITH
The Holts
May 28, 2009
We knew Nathan as a young boy running around the campground with our son. He will be missed by everyone who knew him here in RI. My heart goes out to his family.
old sledneck
May 28, 2009
We'll Miss Ya Dude!
May 28, 2009
My thoughts are with Tristin and Kylie a this time. I know this loss is great for you.
Mrs. Mertes
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