Richard Wilson Smith passed away peacefully on May 16th, 2018 surrounded by his family. He was 92 years of age.
Richard was born February 17, 1926 in Bingham Canyon, Utah to Wilson John and Arvilla Clark Jones Smith. He attended Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah. At 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and served proudly in the South Pacific aboard the battleship USS Alabama during World War II.
After returning home from the war, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jean Ballinger on August 16, 1947. Together, they raised 4 children Gary, Terry, Valerie, and Kimberly.
Richard spent his career as a heavy civil contractor. From the time he was a boy he could be found atop a Caterpillar tractor. He enjoyed going to work every day into his 90\s and passed his dedicated work ethic onto his children and grandchildren.
In his free time, he enjoyed boating on Lake Powell and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed the company of many great dogs and one sweet kitty.
\"Grandpa Dick\" was his favorite namesake. He had a special connection with each of his grandchildren, all of whom shared a special love for him as well. He took great time and care to impart his wisdom and ensure each of them knew their importance in his life. He would give the shirt off his back to any and all of them.
Richard is survived by his children Gary (Cali) Smith, Terry (Gail) Smith, Valerie (Arlo) Jarrett, and Kimberly (Steve Nelson) Dimmitt, his grandchildren Christopher, Lyndsay, Ryan, Nicole, Maile, Alyse, Nick, Rayna and many great grandchildren. Also survived by his sisters Elizabeth (Don) Andreason, Francis (Earl) Crews, Zhan (Toby) Dunlap, along with many nephews, nieces and friends. Preceded in death by his wife Jean, his parents, nephews Arden and Clark Andreason.
Services will be heldTuesday, May 22nd at 11:00 am, Midvale City Cemetary. A viewing will be held from9:30-10:30 amat Larkin Sunset Gardens1950 East Dimple Dell Road Sandy, Utah.
