Richard Frank Smith

Richard Rick Frank Smith
November 1, 1946 - May 24, 2014 Rick Smith, age 67, passed away on May 24, 2014 in West Jordan Utah, surrounded by his loving family and lifelong friends. Rick was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 1, 1946 to Lester and Agnes Smith. Rick's life was cut short leaving behind family and friends who will always love and miss him. Rick had an amazing life because he loved it. He was gifted with the insight that every day was an adventure. As a child he loved baseball so much, that he went to work at the age of 8 selling newspapers on street corners in Salt Lake City so he could buy his first baseball mitt. As he grew older, he would ride his bike to the Great Salt Lake in search of adventure. As time passed he found himself at the stockyard where he found his calling, working with horses and cattle.
After graduating from West High School, he was off to El Paso Texas with a personal reference from Senator Frank Moss of Utah, to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a cotton inspector. Rick later returned to Utah to begin his studies at Utah State University. His college education was interrupted when he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. When he returned home, he decided to clear his head; he set off to Idaho for ranch work. While working on the ranch he spent time working with and breaking horses, and trapping during the winter months. He developed a love for roping, herding, feeding, and branding cattle. When he returned to school, it wasn't all work. He met his future wife not in class, but at a dance hall. With his two left feet, he kept JoAnn George to himself all night long. He created a humorous courtship and they were married April 26, 1976. After 38 wonderful years, they renewed their vows on April 26, 2014. Rick graduated from Utah State University with a B.S. Degree in Range Conservation. He worked for the BLM in Hanksville Utah, until he was offered a job with the U.S. Forest Service in Salt Lake City. He worked on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest and later transferred to Tonopah, Nevada, to the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. From there he transferred to the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Enterprise, Oregon, where he retired after 35 years of service. Rick always said, "I never worked a day in my life because I love what I do. Not very many people can say that."
In his free time, he enjoyed the beauty in his own backyard. He loved sitting and watching his children, later his grandchildren, playing in the creek and having hotdog roasts under the willow tree. He loved sitting on the porch or at the kitchen table visiting with friends and family. He was the ultimate story teller and always in search for the next joke or trick to play. He loved working with his horses and mules, hunting, fishing, and tinkering in his workshop. With his love for learning and endless supply of determination and patience, he became a jack of all trades. This was very handy for his home projects and when anyone needed help. Rick was genuine, sincere, humble, selfless, and had a notable soft spot for animals and children.
We lost a "one of a kind" loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was our mentor and our solid foundation. He stood up for what he believed was right, even when it wasn't popular. He was gentle and sincere. His legacy is: the enjoyment of another day; work hard, even when it's tough; never give up; and at the end of the day, look back and be proud of what you have accomplished.
Rick is survived by his loving and supportive wife JoAnn, his two daughters, Jessica Anderson Jake and Orianna Leith Brad, his grandchildren Trista, Chase, and Zoey, his great-granddaughter Noelle and his two sisters, Elaine Smith and Carolyn Jennings. He also leaves behind an infinite list of friends that have shown such great love and support for an extraordinary person. We would like to extend "a special thank you" to our family and friends who took the time to travel and visit Rick. Another "thank you" for the phone calls, cards, letters, and pictures that brightened his days. A "special thanks" to Rich and Pat Rusk, who generously opened their hearts and home to us when we needed it most, they are truly special friends. A viewing will be held at Nelson's Mortuary, 162 East 400 North, Logan Utah, on Saturday, May 31, 2014, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Graveside services will follow at Providence Cemetery, 700 River Heights Blvd, River Heights, Utah starting at 1:00 pm. All friends and family are welcome to attend. A Celebration of Life will be held in Enterprise, Oregon at a later date. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com