Gordon Frederick Smith

What happened when Gordon passed? He went to the other side. If you know Gordon you know there was always a joke to be told and laughter to follow. Gordon F. Smith 87, of Springville, Utah passed away at his home on October 3, 2018 from natural causes.

Gordon was born November 23, 1930, on his Grandmother's kitchen table, to Fred H. Smith and B. Pearle Gore in Springville, Utah. He weighed a whopping ten and a half pounds. Dad graduated from Springville High School where he was active in athletics and student government. Dad married Roberta Bate, whom he always called the love of his life and the better half of their team, on August 14, 1950 in the Manti Temple.

Dad attended BYU on a football scholarship as well as a track scholarship, where he participated in football, basketball, ran track and threw the discus. He graduated from the Y with a Master's Degree in Recreation. Dad was a loved PE Coach and teacher at Springville High and Junior High Schools. He went on to be an Administrator at Springville and Spanish Fork High Schools ending his career as the Principal of Springville Jr. High. Dad loved his years working with the youth in the Nebo School District. He served on the Springville City Council, in the National Guard as well as in various church callings. Dad was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He had a deep love for his country and for his Savior.

Dad loved the outdoors especially when he was hunting or fishing. He kept a beautiful garden filled with many vegetables but his corn was forever a favorite. Many family, neighbors and friends were blessed to be recipients of garden produce. For years he wouldn't let anyone help plant 'his' garden, not even mom.

Dad had a deep love of music with Perry Como being his most favorite performer. He would sing to his children and grandchildren and they loved to hear his voice. We are pretty sure he will be singing in the Angels choir this Christmas. Dad wrote beautiful poetry and many of his poems were committed to memory which he would recite to family and friends.

Dad loved people. He loved to visit with anyone, including people he met at Rest Stops along the highway. In conversing they usually could make connections to people they knew in common. Dad spent his days bringing smiles and laughter to everyone he met. He had a joke for anyone who crossed his path. His philosophy was that if he could make others happy then it made him happy. Dad's jokes were non­stop and always a great ice breaker.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Pearle, sister Wynette, his brother Harold, son-in-law Art Lujan, daughter-in-law Kari Smith and grandson-in-law Tim Boyce. He is survived by his wife Roberta, children Trent (Janice) Smith, Valorie Lujan, Peggy (Ernie) Strong, Kelly Smith, Reed Smith and Todd (Amy) Smith, twenty-six grandchildren and thirty-seven great grandchildren.

We will miss you Dad and Grandpa G. Your deep faith, ability to love everyone, bring smiles, sing and just make us all feel comfortable will be the memories that carry us on. Love you Dad! Until we hear that whistle of yours, we'll be here.

The family would like to thank First Choice Hospice, Karen, Melissa, Heather, Wayne and Josh for their tender care, conversation, friendship and for listening to dad's jokes.

In lieu of flowers Roberta would love for you to take a friend to lunch and share a joke.

Funeral Services will be held, Tuesday, October 9 at 11 a.m. at the LDS Chapel on 645 E. 245 S., Springville, UT. Viewings will be held, Monday, October 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary on 211 E. 200 S., Springville, UT and Tuesday, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery. Condolences may be sent at www.wheelermortuaries.com.