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Samuel Smith Obituary
1993-2015
Sam's unique journey ended far too early. He was born on July 27, 1993 in Salt Lake City. Sam attended public schools in Salt Lake and graduated from West High School where he played football and lacrosse. Sam attended Southern Utah University for two years where he majored in criminal justice, played on the rugby team, was active in the school's Army ROTC programs, and a member of the ROTC Bridge Club. Sam planned to continue his education at the University of Utah next spring. Sam was blessed with the Smith powder gene, ski raced for Snow Basin, became a certified ski instructor at Brian Head while attending SUU, and planned to teach skiing full time at Solitude this winter. He enjoyed playing golf with his Dad, had a quick wit, loved to write poems and action packed short stories, and was a gifted artist. Sam's passing has left a hole in the hearts and souls of many and he will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity of knowing this incredible young man.
Sam died on October 23, 2015. He is survived by his sister Alexandra, his parents Tammie and Terrell Smith, grandmother Leona Butler, aunts and uncles Jo and Stephen Smith, Rebecca and Donald Smith, Barbara Smith, and Rebecca and Brent Elzinga, and many cousins and friends. Sam was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alice and Donald E. Smith and Roy Butler, his aunt Denise Butler, and his beloved dog Napoleon Cannonball.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, 501 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108; for the department's new research project in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health Neurobiobank directed by Doug Gray, MD.
A private ceremony for friends and family will be held on October 31, 2015. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.larkinmortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Smith
James Burke
October 23, 2024
Rest In Peace, fellow Security Officer. One day I will understand.
James Burke
October 23, 2022
Enjoyed working with him. A friendly guy.
Katrina Reynolds
October 23, 2022
Along with myself, our martial art mat family is thinking of Sam and his family today and sending LOVE.
Katrina Reynolds
October 23, 2021
Thinking of this special soul today and missing him greatly. Sam´s memory will always be a blessing.
James Burke
September 15, 2020
I served with Sam as a security officer. Someday, it will be explained to me.
October 23, 2019
So sorry. He was an angel
Brittni Thomason
November 12, 2015
Sam Smith and family, I was so sorry to hear about his passing. I have fond memories of Sam because I grew up ski racing with him at Snowbasin. I remember Sam as the guy who always volunteered first to lend a helping hand. He was always polite and engaged with others. He loved skiing just as much as the rest of us and I hope he is shredding the pow clouds in Heaven now. Shred in Peace, brother.
Zach Floisand
November 2, 2015
Smith family
I'm so saddened to hear about the passing of my good friend Sam. I am in Mexico Mexico City serving a mission. I want you to know i loved Sam and that he was such a great friend. He always knew how to make me laugh. He literally would do anything for me. My prayers are with you. Zach Floisand
Jo Blackwood
November 2, 2015
I worked with Sam at Cambia... Will miss that sweet smile. We are all devasted...
Kara Budge
November 1, 2015
Sam was one of my students at West High. After graduation, some kids fade away in your memory as they go on in life, not Sam. He was a delightful young man, so thoughtful, bright and charismatic. I enjoyed his impromptu visits and fun-loving personality. It breaks my heart his life was cut short, I know he touched many people's lives. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. May they find comfort and peace in such a difficult time.
October 31, 2015
Sam was my neighbor who I could depend on to bring up my mail and put away my newspapers when we were out of town. He was a delightful young man to talk to and always kind and courteous. Just saw him running two weeks ago and he was bent over so I stopped to see if he was alright. He was just tying his shoe. Tammy and Terrell I am so so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. I know he will always be in your hearts. I pray that with time your hearts will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful time your family shared together. Our prayers and thought are with you.
Kathleen & Jake Garn
October 30, 2015
My family is very saddened by this beautiful young man's passing - he was a blessing to my boys in high school, Sam was always positive and full of life. Sam was the kind of person who would go out of way to greet someone, converse and exchange pleasantries. I would always say to myself, "what a kind young man Sam is, I know his family is very proud of him". Peace be with you Sam. Our deepest condolences Smith Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Solomon's
Laura Fennell
October 30, 2015
Sam worked with us at the Actavis site as a security officer. We all loved him. He was funny and silly. He was a wonderful young man. We will miss him. We are so sorry for your family's loss.
October 30, 2015
Sam was a wonderful part of many students' and faculty members' SUU family. He will be dearly missed.
October 30, 2015
I remember when Sam would joke with me. He had a good sense of humor. He was a good friend and I will miss him so much. I will never forget you Sam.
Shawn Wester
JK Scott
October 30, 2015
We send our sincere condolences- our hearts go out to you and your family at this time.
And our thoughts and prayers are with you-
The Scott's- Jeff, Sarah, and the boys
October 29, 2015
Tammie, Terrell and Alex,
Our hearts are breaking for each of you upon learning of Sam's passing. Please remember that you will be in the thoughts and prayers of so many friends and family members as you navigate your way through this incredibly difficult time.
Shannon and Dave Delquadro
Colby and Megan Rider
October 29, 2015
To the Smith family: Condolences to you regarding the passing of Samuel. We are thinking of you in this difficult time. RIP. Thomas K. McCarthey family
October 29, 2015
Hey little/big buddy. Even though I didn't know you off the mat, you were always helpful, caring and productive. I saw you learn and learned and grow each time we trained together. I will miss you on the mat and your warrior spirit.
I am deeply saddened you had to go so soon and hope you find what you need beyond, brother. You will always be a Warrior.
Peace my friend.
"Kida"
Katrina Reynolds
October 29, 2015
Nancy Davidson
October 29, 2015
Heartfelt condolences to the Smith family at the loss of this beautiful soul, Sam. Bless you.
October 29, 2015
Tammie, Terrell & Alexandra,
We are incredibly saddened by the news your loss. Sam was a great young man! Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during your time of grief.
Charlie Fricks & Heidi Theobald
Samuel Smith
October 29, 2015
Dear Smith Family,
From our Krav Maga family to yours,
we cannot express our sadness at the loss of your beloved son and brother. Sam "Butler" Smith was our little/"big" brother on the mat and always smiling and adding brightness and warmth to our training sessions. He leaves his "fighting" spirit with us and will always be our youngest warrior!
Shalom.
October 29, 2015
Tammie and Terel and Alex,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Sam was such a great guy. Please know Ridley and Me are thinking of you.
With sympathy,
Robyn Heyrend Eliason
October 29, 2015
Tammi and Terell,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry. Sam was so great playing catch with Jake at the tailgates.
Love Debbie, Jake, (Chuck) Johanson
October 29, 2015
Rip Sam.
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