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Brian Smits Obituary
February 20, 1968 - June 28, 2013
Brian was an amazing man and friend to all. He was extremely supportive, creative, and determined. Brian touched the lives of so many people and he did incredible things in his 45 years. He will be greatly missed. Brian died unexpectedly from a cardiac complication while mountain biking in the woods he loved.
Brian was born in Minneapolis, MN. He spent his early childhood in Indianapolis and moved to Monmouth, OR in 1978. He graduated from Central High School in Independence in 1986 with high academic achievements and varsity letters in cross country and track. He graduated from University of Oregon 4 years later and then went on to receive his PhD in Computer Engineering from Cornell University. Brian worked for Pixar Studios as a computer software engineer, most recently from his home office in Corvallis.
On May 29, 2004, Brian married the love of his life, Jennifer Nelson. In 2007, they moved to Corvallis from the bay area to be closer to family. Together, they created their dream home and garden where they could grow their own food and raise their kids in nature.
Family was very important to Brian. At the center of his world were his wife, Jennifer, and their children Rebecca and Dylan. He loved anything outdoors. Brian was an incredible gardener, photographer, and cook. He loved biking, running, hiking, swimming, backpacking and cross-country skiing. He was so happy to be able to include his family in these activities as much as possible.
Brian is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife, Jennifer; children Rebecca, 7, and Dylan, 4; parents Steve and Kathy Smits of Monmouth; sister Aimee Williams; brother-in-law Mark Williams and their children, Dacia and Keaton, all of Corvallis, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.
A celebration of Brian's life will take place Wednesday, July 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at the Smits' residence. The family asks that donations be made to the Brian Smits Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers (Brian Smits Memorial Fund, c/o Jared Moore, 200 Bexell Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Smits
2 Entries
Allison Hart Lengyel
January 5, 2025
Brian and his first wife, Suzanne (not mentioned in this obituary), were colleagues and close friends of my husband and me in graduate school. We have fond memories of many shared dinners, game nights, and travels to conferences with the two of them. We all miss him-a kind and good person, gone too soon.
Darcie Hamel
July 6, 2013
Dear Jen and Family of Brian,
We were shocked to read this news while we were out of town visiting family and very sad we were unable to attend the memorial service. We feel so honored to have met Brian this past year. We are grateful for all the effort he put into the adventure club. What an amazing man. Our thoughts are with you and we are deeply sorry for your loss.
Peace and love,
Darcie, Doug, Jasper & Cody
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