Wayne Halsey Smith

It is with deep sadness and great love that we announce the passing of Wayne Halsey Smith, who passed away on June 22, 2026, at the age of 79 in Sandy, Utah.

Wayne was born on November 20, 1946, in Bernardsville, New Jersey, to Halsey G. Smith and Miriam Lachenauer Smith.

At a young age, his family moved from New Jersey to Las Vegas, Nevada, where his father was stationed in the Air Force. Wayne graduated from high school in 1965, where he enjoyed playing baseball. Immediately after graduation, he was drafted during the Vietnam War but chose instead to follow in his father’s footsteps by enlisting in the Air Force.

Wayne proudly served from 1965 to 1969. He began his medical corps training at Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, and later served in New York before being stationed in Taiwan, where he worked as an administrative sergeant for various military hospitals.

After completing his military service, Wayne returned to New Jersey to train as a radiologic technologist. At the age of 28, he felt a strong desire to return to the West and eventually settled in Utah, where he accepted a position in the Radiology Department at the University of Utah.

Wayne dedicated much of his life to his profession and excelled in his career, eventually becoming the Technical Director of Radiology at the University of Utah Medical Center. Outside of work, he enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, and long road trips. He instilled his love of nature and the outdoors in his sons. It was often during one-on-one outings that he formed a special bond with each of them to places like Yellowstone, the Uintahs, and exploring the Utah desert. As his family grew, he cherished the relationships he built with his sons’ spouses and his eight grandchildren. He loved attending countless sporting events, school activities, and family gatherings.

Wayne truly enjoyed being with others. Whenever he engaged in conversation, he listened intently and made people feel heard. He was genuinely interested in others and cared deeply for them. Wayne was a dedicated Father who was engaged in his children’s sports. He never missed a soccer game and made his Sons feel loved.

His grandchildren were the greatest joy of his life. He became affectionately known as the family’s “Manny,” faithfully babysitting many of his grandchildren from the time they were newborns. Through those countless hours together, he developed deep and lasting bonds with each of them. His family will forever be grateful for the love, guidance, and unwavering care he gave so freely.

Wayne was a devoted father and cherished his family above all else. He prioritized his family and instilled the importance of working hard and being honest in life. He is survived by his three sons and the daughters-in-law he loved as his own: Zachary and Jordan Smith, Scott and Kim Smith, and Michael and Whitney Smith. He is also survived by his eight beloved grandchildren: Samantha, Paisley, Finley, Isaac, Lucy, Rosie, Evie, and Reese.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Gail Smith.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 20, at 2:00 p.m. at Camp Williams Veterans Memorial Cemetery.