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BORN
1981
DIED
2023
Stephen Smith Obituary
September 5, 1981 - June 24, 2023
Holladay, UT-Stephen Alexander Smith, born in September of 1981, passed away on June 24, 2023. Born in Frankfurt, Germany into a military family. His life was marked by a continuous thread of service to others and an unbridled love and generosity for family and friends.
His interest in nursing began as a child, but blossomed when he was a volunteer firefighter in Virginia. He graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelors in Nursing and began his career as an ER Nurse before moving on to Trauma Nursing. For a greater challenge, he joined the Air Force Reserve as a Flight Nurse. Beginning as a LT and rising to Captain.
Through the Air Force he met Lt Janine C. Shreve. Long distances could not keep them apart. They became engaged during an annual Trauma Conference in Peru and married in August of 2010. Their joy was magnified by the arrival of their daughters Lillian in November of 2012, and Abigail in July of 2015.
He balanced a career at the University of Utah Hospital Trauma Center, working in trauma nursing and later as a manager of an outpatient clinic, with a deployment to the Middle East in 2013. There he cared for casualties from Afghanistan being flown to Dubai and Germany. Still knowing he had more to give, Stephen had earned a Master's Degree in Public Health and joined the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team in 2017. This was his self-described "Happy Place," and he would answer a call for help at all hours of the day and night to rescue, recover, and comfort those lost and injured in the Wasatch mountains.
His boundless drive led him to a new challenge. With Janine at his side, they became the proud owners of Quality Pool and Spas in March of 2022. Regretfully, their plans came to an end when he was critically injured during a service call.
Stephen's grit, hard work, and humor were apparent to all who met him. Of all his many accomplishments, his proudest will forever be his role as a father and husband. The world is poorer for his passing, but we are richer for having him in our lives.
He is survived by his wife Janine, his children Lillian and Abigail, his parents, Stephen and Elizabeth Smith all of Holladay, UT, and his sister Juliana Thies of MI.
A celebration of Stephen's life will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023, at the LDS Chapel at 3820 S 2000 E, Holladay, UT. Family visitation will be 9:30-10:30 and the celebration will begin at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations for the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team or your local organ donation foundation. All are encouraged to share their memories at www.rememberingstephensmith.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Smith
Mary and Len Winsky
June 20, 2025
We loved every story Elizabeth told or wrote of his adventuresome life.
Glen & Janene Davis
June 20, 2024
Dear Janine,
As so often the case, today I again found myself thinking of my good friend, Steve Smith. But this time, for the first time in many months, I pulled up his obituary to see his face and read about his amazing life. I've missed him!
About eighty years ago my grandmother wrote a poem that has long since been a favorite of mine. It describes so well the love and legacy that Steve left to all the many people who knew and loved him. The poem reads:
Sometimes,
when day draws to it's close,
the departing sun casts back to earth,
in fond farewell, a lovely afterglow.
I hope I so shall live,
that when my sun of life sets low,
I shall cast back on those I love,
a lovely afterglow.
Janine, this week and always may you and your girls be filled with comfort and peace, knowing that you are loved and cherished by all your many family and friends, ... and especially by Steve.
Much love,
Glen & Janene Davis
Bridget Barklow
July 14, 2023
I was so saddened by the news of Steve´s accident. I didn´t know him well, he had been to my home several times to work since he took over the business. I always enjoyed taking to him and he was doing such a good job with the company. What a loss! My deepest condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Bridget Barklow
Pamela,and Russell Winters
July 1, 2023
Stephen,you will always be remembered,and loved by so many.
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Tracy Leiter
July 1, 2023
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Remembering Stephen Smith
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Where do I begin...
Jul 1
By: Tracy Leiter
How do I put into words how broken my heart is, for this beautiful little family. All of the family. My adopted work family, whom I love so dearly. I have the privilege of calling Steve & Janine my employer. "OUR " little work family is devastated, yet we will carry on in your honor Sir!
I feel your legacy will live on, in remembrance of yours and Janine's dreams. You were a true gentleman, who's love for his wife and beautiful little girls shined through his HUGE eyes, when they'd surprise him at the office. Steve was a man of integrity. A man whom from our first phone conversation, which was months before they acquired ownership of Quality Pool & Spa. A man of his word so much, I waited four months to begin this journey! And let me tell you what a ride we've had my friend. I will forever remember you, and I've got you! I know it's you! The outpouring of love and support, from clients, total stranger's, to other pool companies, reaching out to help, on YOUR behalf. Most had never met you, it is so incredible. To see the good in people, wanting to help your family.
It was an honor to serve you, rest easy my friend!
Derek Mortensen & Christine
June 30, 2023
Christine and I always had fun hanging with Steve, Janine, Abby and Lillian. Whether is was having dinner at each others houses or the camping and lake Powell trips...it was always full of good times, good food and lots of giggles. Steve had a great sense of humor and he and I laughed so hard at things I thought my sides would split...most people didn't get it but he had a wide variety of amusing tales and could pick up on just about any topic. I also was the recipient of Steve's great cooking and homemade beverages.....he was a talented Gastronemique..r. Food and fun aside, I admired Steve for his devotion to his family. He so much loved Janine and his two girls and always had them on his mind. I am heart broken for the family and know that he will surely be missed by many who loved him. Our condolences and best wishes.
Therese Bonanno
June 30, 2023
Stephen will be missed.RIP
TERRY LARSON
June 30, 2023
DEAR JANINE I am so sorry to hear abought stephen. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I REALLY, REALLY LOVED THAT MAN. SINCE YOU GUYS STARTED DOING OUR POOL,STEVEN WAS SO FUN TO Talk TOO. I will miss him. Iam so sorry . with love TERRY LARSON
Alison Flynn Gaffney
June 30, 2023
Steve will always be remembered by me during our time working together at University of Utah Health for his sense of adventure, humor, intelligence, true care of others and his desire to be impactful.
He has accomplished great things on behalf of patients, team members, and our community. That impact will never be forgotten and his legacy of service will continue on in all those he touched.
On behalf of my family and myself I send love, prayers, and strength to Steves wife, daughters, family, and friends.
Katharine Biele
June 30, 2023
Steve was such a kind soul. When he'd come by to service our pool, he always spoke about his daughters, how proud he was of them, and how he loved teaching them lessons of life. I am so sorry.
Dave S.
June 30, 2023
So sorry to hear of Steve´s loss. I recently met him on a service call at our home. Even though our time was brief, I knew right away he was caring and genuine. He´ll be missed every day. All the very best possible to his many friends and family. Take Care -
Janet
June 29, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of our colleague and friend. He was competent, kind, and always professional. His face would always light up when you asked him about his family. Your girls can always be proud to know their dad was respected and ethical. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ed Havas
June 29, 2023
Dear Janine, I am so sorry for your and your family's loss. I enjoyed getting to know Stephen, and respected him a great deal. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Barbara & Tom Kenefake
June 29, 2023
Our deepest condolences to all of the Smith Family. Reading about Stephen's life, he was a beautiful soul and his faithful and dedication to helping others in need is a memory that will live on. Thank you for sharing.
Barbara & Tom Kenefake - Neighbors from Virginia
Clayton Kinahan
June 28, 2023
I miss my friend
Barbara Sparr
June 28, 2023
So sorry Janine. My heart goes out to you.
Barbara Sparr
Maryjane Baska
June 27, 2023
Dear Janine, haven't been on Facebook very much. Can't believe this is what I came across. I remember looking at your wedding photos. You're all in my thoughts & prayers.
Saudi McVea
June 27, 2023
My heart breaks to hear this, such an incredible human, flight nurse and silent mentor. Prayers lifted to his beautiful family as they move through such a difficult time. The world is better because he was in it and am forever grateful to have had the honor to know such amazing warrior.
Annette Westwood (Bickmore)
June 27, 2023
Steve was a strong leader, friend, and above all loved his family. He is someone I’ve looked up too, and idolized for a very long time. Whether he was encouraging me to pursue more education, join search and rescue, or helping me pursue my career, he always had a helping hand and words of wisdom to share.
I am going to miss our educational chats on anything at all. He was so knowledgeable about so many things. He recommended books, fun recipes, finances and stocks, and loved showing off his latest mechanical/tool creation. One of my favorites was his chicken coop. The gadgets that went into that place makes it one plush chicken haven.
He told the greatest stories. One of my favorites was the waffle stomp from Afghanistan, and the Jesus egg that his daughter was saving. I enjoyed torturing him at work by playing the sipping sound of an empty Starbucks, and decorating his office by hiding all our faces for him to find. I truly hope there is a pile of almond joys, good homemade food, and his own crafted beer on the other side waiting to celebrate such an amazing person. Oh and kale. We all know Steve will always need more kale! Even if it’s just to remind him of home.
Steve’s love for his wife Janine and their two girls was the biggest driver in his life. He would love to talk about them, and show them off. You could sit on his couch in his office and see their pictures all around him. He was so proud of all the things Janine was doing, and shared the funniest stories about being a dad. He worked tirelessly to make the best life he could for them which I admire thoroughly.
Steve helped me in more ways than I can count, and his loss is strongly felt. He truly is a one of a kind man, and I still hope that I can grow up to be like him some day. Hugs and prayers for his family, and thank you Steve for being you.
Amy Symes
June 27, 2023
Stephen was such an amazing guy and I’m grateful for the years I had working with him and getting to know him. I loved how passionate he was about all of his hobbies and talents like smoking amazing meat and making some of the coolest knives I’ve ever seen. I also loved how eager he was to share the fruits of his hobbies and talents with everyone. Stephen was a unique gift to this world and I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to get to know him. His kindness and service to so many will not be forgotten.
Sharon Novatnak
June 27, 2023
Stephen was top notch in everything he embraced and I am very sad to hear of his tragic passing. I so enjoyed spending my work days with him, knowing there would be outstanding leadership and lots of laughter. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Alex Burchette
June 27, 2023
My deepest condolences at this sad time. May the love and support of friends and family carry you through this grief.
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