Sam\s unique journey ended far too early. He was born on July 27, 1993 in Salt Lake City. Sam attended public schools in Salt Lake and graduated from West High School where he played football and lacrosse. Sam attended Southern Utah University for two years where he majored in criminal justice, played on the rugby team, was active in the school's Army ROTC programs, and a member of the ROTC Bridge Club. Sam planned to continue his education at the University of Utah next spring. Sam was blessed with the Smith powder gene, ski raced for Snow Basin, became a certified ski instructor at Brian Head while attending SUU, and planned to teach skiing full time at Solitude this winter. He enjoyed playing golf with his Dad, had a quick wit, loved to write poems and action packed short stories, and was a gifted artist. Sam's passing has left a hole in the hearts and souls of many and he will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity of knowing this incredible young man.
Sam died on October 23, 2015. He is survived by his sister Alexandra, his parents Tammie and Terrell Smith, grandmother Leona Butler,aunts and unclesJo and Stephen Smith, Rebecca and Donald Smith, Barbara Smith, and Rebecca and Brent Elzinga, and many cousins and friends. Sam was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alice and Donald E. Smith and Roy Butler, his aunt Denise Butler, and his beloved dog Napoleon Cannonball.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, 501 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108; for the department's new research project in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health Neurobiobank directed by Doug Gray, MD.
A private ceremony for friends and family will be held on October 31, 2015. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.larkinmortuary.com.
