Name: Visitation for Brian Edward Smith
Start: 2019-11-16T01:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-11-16T03:00:00.000Z
Location: Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation - University Chapel

When Brian Smith passed away Sunday morning, October 27, 2019, at the Hospice Ryan House in Phoenix, Arizona, no one who knew him wondered if he had lived his life of 77 years to the fullest. Brian was born to show business parents, Eddie and Melba Smith, in Brooklyn, New York on April 14, 1942. Starting as a boy in Scarsdale, New York, Brian always went full throttle-whether it was in the courtroom, serving as an LDS missionary in Brazil or the Bronx, playing in a baseball game, finding himself on a white-water raft on the Salmon River, a horse in the Tetons, a speedboat, or in an airplane, But after all this, what truly defined Brian Smith was his big heart. His genuine and unfailing concern, support and generosity to his family, friends and even strangers is what endeared him to us all. His abiding faith in God gave him strength and purpose throughout his life. He will be missed.

Brian is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jeanine Wright Smith, sons Brian Carlos and George Kimball and daughters, Carley Joy Conder, Mandi Erin Reading and Emily Theresa Payne, 17 grandchildren and his brother, Edward.

Memorial services for Brian include a VISITATION, Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, from 6-8PM at Bunker's, 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213. BURIAL on Sat., Nov. 16, 2019 at 9AM at Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, 85201 and FUNERAL followed by a LUNCHEON at 11AM at 2549 N. 32nd St., Mesa, AZ 85213. Flowers can be sent to Bunker's University Chapel at 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Yuma Sun on Nov. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Smith

Sponsored by Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation - University Chapel.

11 Entries

Brian E. Smith

Bridget Marquez

November 14, 2019

Jeanine and family:

Please know we grieve with you. I worked for Brian for half my life over the past 33 years up until the day he died and spent more daytime hours with him than my family. He was my boss, my mentor, and my friend. The first thing he asked me when he called was "how are you feeling?", we cared about each other. I looked up to him, and my family's lives would not have been the same without him. Not only did I have the honor of being his legal assistant and manager, he trusted and had faith in Frank; and not only did Kelly grow up with your children, she was hired by Brian at 16 and went on to become a psychologist.

I came to know him as a man of faith who loved his family very much. Your love for each other and family was obvious. What beautiful memories the two of you have made together. Brian left quite a legacy with your beautiful family and was very proud of all of you.

Over the last few years, we have grown closer to you as well Jeanine. We hope and pray you can now find peace. We can only imagine how difficult and demanding this time is for you.

We would have done anything in our power for Brian, and the same goes for you. Please remember we are here for you now and always. We would love being called on by you or your family for assistance or just to talk and share stories.

Everyone knows Brian was an excellent attorney with an A1 rating, he made Supreme Court law; but they don't know that behind the scenes, Brian was kind, caring, loyal and compassionate with an innate sense of fairness to his clients, staff and complete strangers. Brian's word was gold. He made a difference in so many lives. I am thankful to have been a member of his staff, learning and growing from him.

Brian was also very generous. Many of us were able to enjoy going to Mexico, baseball games, theater and more thanks to him. I will never forget his kindness. Brian was one of a kind, a character for sure. One of my favorite things about Brian was his dry sense of humor, he would even laugh at himself, especially when trying to operate anything with a plug in it.

My words cannot fully express the sorrow I feel. I was comforted at the hospital with you and Emily when you shared that not only will Brian see Melba again, but also his father; he is with them now. We'll be mourning his passing with you and celebrating the life of a good man. He was an exceptional human being with an incredible soul.

I am confident that you and your family will forever remain strong together and will share in the journey to finding peace after this difficult loss. Our sincere condolences to you.

November 13, 2019

Dear Jeanine and family,
Dane sent a copy of Brian's obituary to my phone yesterday. How sad I was to hear that he had passed away.

Brian was such a great and good man. He was so good to me and our family those days prior to Bud's death.

So many memories flooded into my mind. Bud and Brian in the Bishopric together, playing basketball. Brian gave Bud a bad time because Bud was an aggressive player. Brian called him
Hardcastle. I particularly remember when Brian was in the Tetons when Kimball was born. (I think it was Kimball.) When Brian called and Bud answered the phone and he said that he was taking his wife to the hospital. Brian said you are kidding!! Then Bud enlisted Tammy Harrington to fill out a fake birth certificate with the child's name as Clarence Mortimer Smith. Memories!!

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers Jeanine. I love you all. Betty Palmer

john stewart

November 7, 2019

Brian was at lots of sports events in Yuma over the years. Always talked sports, not the law. Had many great visits with him at Rotary over the years till he moved..Best blessing to his family. RIP.

November 7, 2019

Brian Smith was a truly great lawyer and a good friend.. Sad to see him gone..
There are few lawyers left of his caliber.
Jimmie Smith.. Yuma, AZ

Crystal Gunderman

November 5, 2019

Dear Jeanine, Carley, Mandi, B.C., Emily and Kimball,

Words cannot fully fully express my sympathy for your loss of such a larger-than-life man, husband and father, but please know that it was truly an honor to know and work for him for nearly 20 years. I learned so much from him - a strong work ethic and commitment to fighting for the underdog. Everyone who knew him never doubted his complete love and devotion to all of you - his loyal wife and children. I remember having countless conversations about how proud he was of all of you. He, unforgettably, was also supportive of me through one of the most challenging times of my life. Again, it was honor and I will never forget him.

With love and great affection,

Crystal Gunderman

Crystal Gunderman

November 5, 2019

Hon. (ret) Douglas Stanley

November 4, 2019

RIP B.E.S.

Our prayers are with you and your family

Judith Marcum

November 3, 2019

Jeannine, so sorry about Brian's passing.
He was a good man & husband. He will always be fondly remembered in Yuma as well as you and the rest of your family. My prayers are with you and your family.

Linda Farrar

November 3, 2019

Dear family of Brian Smith
It is with great love and admiration that I hold your family so dear. I share your grief. You are/were so fortunate to have Brian as your husband and your Dad. I know his love will hold you in his arms evermore.
I knew Jeanine, Carley, Mandi and Emily quite well in their early dance days in Yuma and will always remember them and the entire adoringly.
Bless all of you,