Mark Hayes Smith

1956 - 2018

Mark Hayes Smith

- - The family of Mark Hayes Smith, with heavy hearts, announces his peaceful passing surrounded by his loved ones on October 12, 2018 from complications of ALS. Mark, "Smitty", was leader in the Northern Nevada coaching community and a retired Washoe County School District special educator. His passion was working with special needs students, as well as coaching football and track.

Mark was born in Roseburg, Oregon on June 28, 1956 to Garrett and Barbara Smith. His desire and gift for teaching those with special needs started early, following in the footsteps of his father, who started a swim program for the handicapped. Mark went on to play football for the Oregon State Beavers and earned two master's degrees. His passion for coaching and teaching led him to Reno, NV where he met his wife, Deanne, and spent over 28 years as a special educator and adaptive P.E. specialist for WCSD. His connection, compassion, and interest in the special needs community led him to pursue involvement in several local organizations and projects, including the "I Can Bike" camp and the "Buddy Walk".

Coach Smitty, as he was known to all, had a strong presence in the coaching community and coached both football and track and field for over 30 years. In 1989 he joined the Wooster football coaching staff and immediately became a vital piece of the Joe Sellers era. From 1989-2018 he influenced and guided numerous athletes in football and track and field, coaching at Wooster, Manogue, Reno, Galena, and Virginia City High Schools. In March 2018 he was proudly honored with his induction into the NIAA Coaches Hall of Fame, and in May 2018, he was also inducted into both the Wooster Hall of Fame and the Northern Nevada Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Coach Smitty was a three time Northern Nevada Coach of the Year for Track and Field.

Mark had many other interests including family travels, gardening, fitness, UNR basketball and football games, and most of all, golfing with his son Luke. He will forever remain in the hearts of his loving family and those who had the opportunity to know him. His smile and enthusiasm for life will be sorely missed.

Mark is survived by his wife of 25 years, Deanne, son Luke, daughter Amy Weyhenmeyer (Tyler), mother Barbara Lee, brother Garrett Smith, and sisters Jamie Hennessey, Stephanie Kilburn, and Barbara Jackson (Steve). He was preceded in death by his father Garrett Smith and stepfather Chloe Lee.

A private cremation and interment will be held. The celebration of life is scheduled for November 18 at 11am in the Wooster High School gym. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities-I Can Bike Camp, checks payable to Board of Regents with NCED bike camp on comment line. Mail to: UNR-NCED, Mail Stop 285, Reno, NV, 89557.