Stanley George Smith

"All four engines out"

Stanley George Smith, 89, quietly "augered in" on July 3, 2013. He was born on November 18, 1923 to Heber D. Smith and Hazel Hale Smith in Seattle, WA. He attended Irving Junior High School and graduated from South High School in 1942, where he was student body president.

He enrolled at the University of Utah, but World War II soon interrupted his studies. Stan joined the Army Air Corps, and as a pilot flew the B-17 in the 8th Air Force. His plane was shot down over Germany and he spent eight months as a prisoner of war until the war's end. Returning home, Stan married his sweetheart, Leola Yates, on June 25, 1945. They raised their six children in the home they built on Gregson Avenue providing a safe haven for their family as they grew. Stan and Leola lived in their present home for 67 years and both were fortunate to spend their last days there. Leola passed away on May 22nd, separating them for just 42 days. Stan started his own construction company and built many homes, gas stations, and office buildings in the Salt Lake area. He was the project manager for the Johannesburg and San Diego LDS temples. "Perfect or better" was his motto in all aspects of his life. His expert craftsmanship is evident in the many beautiful wall clocks he built. These heirlooms are treasured in many homes of family and friends.

He has been active in his Canyon Rim community, serving in volunteer capacities and supporting local events throughout the years. Stan gave many hours of devoted service to the LDS church. He was called as a bishop, stake president, and regional representative. He also served as a sealer in the Salt Lake Temple in his later years. But none of these callings were more important than his role as father and husband. A strong testimony of Jesus Christ has been his sure foundation throughout his life.

Camping and hiking were favorite activities, especially trips to Jenny Lake with his young family and later trips to the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. Stan's orchard and garden were a favorite pastime for him. He loved working outside and watching things grow. His peaches became locally famous.

Stan was preceded in death by his wife, two brothers and his parents. He is survived by two brothers, Ted and Darrell, and his six children: Sandra (Chad Stanger), Bruce (Helen Holbrook), Valerie (Todd Andersen), Laurel (James Hart), Andrea (Ron Wagstaff), and Blaine (Lori Hesterman), plus a niece he raised, Kaye Land. His posterity now numbers 119, including 30 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren. Grandpa knew each name, each birthday, and prayed for all of us daily. He also leaves a legacy of love and faith that will bless his family for generations to come.

The Smith family wishes to express their gratitude to Emily Curtis for her invaluable service to their parents as their caregiver. They looked upon Emily as a family member. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday July 10, 2013 at the Canyon Rim Stake Center, 3051 South 2900 East. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00 at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the Church on Wednesday morning from 9:30am to 10:30am prior to services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. On line memories and tributes can be sent to the family at www.holbrookmortuary.com.