Wesley Claude Smith

Wesley Claude Smith returned home to his Heavenly Father, many friends and family on September 1, 2012.

Claude was born to Bessie Lee Dorton and Harry Melroy Smith in Morland, Kansas on September 12, 1931. He has 5 sisters and 4 brothers. His family moved to Utah when he was one year old.

He served in the Air Force at Offutt AFB in Omaha, NE. He was enrolled as a dental technician at Creighton University and developed a passion for perfectly cleaned teeth - he often said, "Teeth aren't tools!" While there, he married Evadna Miyeno (deceased). From that union are two children, Bradley (Dione) and Cindy (John) Fruin. He moved to Salt Lake City, Utah and started his long career in the trucking industry with his brothers. He drove distant routes between SLC, Chicago and Los Angeles.

He owned and operated Uintah Freightways, Magna Garfield Trucklines and Colt Trucking for over 50 years. He had a love of the road and always talked about the Uinta Basin. Anyone who embarked on a road trip knew to ask Claude which way to go and the distance. He knew every major city and the exact distances between them without hesitating for a moment. He could drive for miles on end unless he came across a Taco Bell or 7 Eleven where he would stop and grab his favorite drink.

He married Marsha Kaye Perkins in 1971. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and have four children: Daniel (Vickie), Brian, Melissa (Brian) and Emilee (Ryan). He and Marsha built a home on the side of Mount Olympus, which became "his" mountain.

He served in many leadership positions within the trucking industry, locally and nationally, the Rotary Club and Amicus/ Deseret Foundation which is affiliated with the Intermountain Health Care.

His favorite activities included traveling even at a last moment's notice; hiking and camping in the Wind River mountain range; hunting and deep sea fishing with his boys and his best friend Bill Palmer, who is like a brother. The Hukilau beach on Oahu, Hawaii forged unforgettable memories with his family and walks down the beach created endless lessons on life for his children and grandchildren. But, his favorite activity of all was "hanging" out with his family.

He loves the gospel of Jesus Christ and has served in many positions within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He testified from the teachings of our Savior. His most favorite role was that of Bishop. He loves the ward members and neighbors. He devoted his entire time and energy to serving. He looked forward to the ward Christmas parties where he was quick with a joke and no one escaped the receiving of a gag gift.

When all is said and done, what matters most to Claude is family. He exerted every effort in supporting and providing. He is a man of leadership, integrity, and humility. His example and love are our most cherished memories. He fought a courageous battle with cancer and faced each day with determination to defeat the disease in his body. He never complained and endured to the end faithfully. Claude is survived by his wife who he affectionately called his 'BFF Forever', children, grandchildren and his brother Bud (Sharon) Smith.

Heartfelt gratitude is expressed to Scott Putman MD, Greg Goodman MD, Scott Samuelson MD, John Thomson, MD and to Claude's special nurses Corey and Debbie at Encompass Home Health and Hospice.

Viewing will be held Friday, September 7, 2012 6pm-8pm at the Mt Olympus Stake Center and Saturday, September 8, 2012, 9:30 am-10:30 am. Funeral service to follow at 11am at Mt Olympus Stake Center, Olympus Cove Ward, 3862 Oakview Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84124. Funeral Directors: Holbrook Mortuary Condolences to family may be sent to: www.holbrookmortuary.com