Oliver “Oli” Kirkland Smith, 44, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2022, of natural causes.
Oli was born on May 26, 1977, to Kathrine “Jane” Bruggeman Smith and Kirkland “Kirk” Woodrow Smith. Oli married Holly Durham on June 1, 2006.
Oli and Holly were thrilled with the birth of their daughter Ginzele on March 19, 2007. Ginzele was the greatest blessing that enriched their world. Ginzele was dearly loved by her dad.
Oli is survived by his wife Holly and daughter Ginzele, his mom and dad Jane and Brad Mullen, his dad and mom Kirk and Sandy Smith, his sister Markay Mullen Gold (Chris), brothers Nick Parrish (Janet) and Erik Smith, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Oli is preceded in death by his grandparents Margaret and Homer Bruggeman and Bonnie and Woodrow Smith.
Oli graduated from Highland High School, Salt Lake City, in 1995. He served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1996-1998, Toronto, Canada. He loved and enjoyed his mission.
Oli had a kind heart and always had a soft spot for the misunderstood. He had an infectious smile and hilarious sense of humor. Many family giggles were had watching him perform his version of Saturday Night Live skits with his unique Oli impressions. Everyone that encountered him left feeling silly and smiling. All that loved him also knew he had many struggles in this life. It brings his family joy to know that he is now experiencing peace with his loving grandparents and family in heaven.
He had a strong testimony of our Heavenly Father and believed very much in a life after we leave this world. He often dreamt of his grandma and grandpa Bruggeman and always felt they were watching over him from the heavens. We know that he is now in their loving and trusted care enjoying a casual drive with an ice cream cone somewhere in the clouds.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1320 S Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108. Visitation begins at 10:30 am with a memorial service at 12:00 noon. His ashes will be interred at a later date at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Services will be lived streamed via zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92506578481
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a college fund for his daughter, Ginzele, via Venmo @Jane-Mullen-1 (last 4 of phone number 1831).
Our sincere condolences to Oli's family and loved ones. Sending you love and light during this difficult time. Thank you Oli for always sharing positive messages on our Facebook page.
I am so sad to hear of Oli’s passing. Though I have not seen him since high school, I will always remember how kind and funny he was. Much love to his wife and daughter.
Dear Jane, Brad,Markie & Ginzele,
I’m so sorry about Oli. Praying that you all feel at peace and are comforted by happy memories of your son, brother and dad. Love, Megan B.
Oli ... you brought me so many moments of joy and love as you were growing up! We learned to ski together on the bunny hills in Utah ... you as a young child and I as your uncle!
Your parents filled your heart with love and care! Your mother is your kindest champion. She has never wavered in her unconditional love for you.
Your daughter, Ginzelle, is a light! A light of significance! And as with us all, a light that will reflect her choices. Choices shaped by her experiences. Choices that I believe are today and will in the future reflect the deep love which surrounds her.
Oli, I wish you well on your next journey! Peace to you!
Uncle Willie
I’m so shocked and saddened at Oli’s passing. He was a great friend who helped me out during during some tough times. I was just thinking a few weeks ago how I hadn’t seen him in a while…. anyway, he will be missed and I am grateful to have had the privilege to have known him.
Jane-
This is Mat Van Alstyne. I’m so so sad for you and family. I can’t imagine the pain you’re going through. I love Oli. From the day you moved in on 13th south to recent texts he was the most loyal and gracious and forgiving friend. I’m devastated.
Mat
I have amazing memories of high school hanging out with Oli during our Junior and Senior years. He was such a fun-loving and free-spirited friend. The first one I pounded an entire pizza with. My heartfelt condolences to his family, Sending thoughts and healing prayers to his wife and darling daughter. XOXO
I am deeply saddened to hear of the untimely loss of our friend and colleague, Oli! I've known Oli for several years through our mutual friend, Brilliant Miller. Oli has touched more lives than anyone probably knows or would guess. Always kind, open, accepting, non-judgmental, friendly to all - regardless of who they were. He was the measure of a true friend and shared his light and spirit for adventure with all, while inspiring others to rise to new heights by sharing his unique life story. We'll always be meditation buddies, we'll just be connecting from different realms for the time being. Smith Family, you can be proud of the man, father, son, brother, and friend that Oli was! He was deeply cherished and will be missed by so many! Rest well, dear friend! Save a warm sitting cushion for us on the other side, buddy!
May God Rest His Soul.
I was so sorry to hear about Oli's passing. We were a home teaching pair when he was 14 and I was in college and I couldn't have asked for a better set up. I also loved crossing paths from time to time in the years after but missed seeing him more recently. I'm so sorry to hear about this.
Oli My good friend I will miss you so much... your laughter yoursupport your encouragement Has saved my life on many occasions need occasions and given me the kick in the butt I needed to get backup again. I will be forever grateful. You offer these things with your friendship daily and I will never forget them. I know that you are whole and out of pain You get to enjoy the Lord's paradise and his grace today...today is your day I know the angels welcome you home And that you're safe and happy. I want to share my condolences with your family you're beautiful wife and your beautiful daughter I'm so sorry for your loss I want you to know if there's anything I can do for you please ask. Dear father please be with all these family as they suffer this great loss Please give them peace knowing he is with you and that we will all be together again soon. In Jesus name Amen. Rest and peace my friend.
To the Smith family, please accept oour sincere condolences. Oli served part of his mission here in Cobourg, Ontario. He endeared himself to our family. After he finished his mission, he returned for a visit, and was greeted with love. He was an awesome missionary. Oli was always a missionary. Love One Another!
Sincerely,
The Howard Family🇨🇦
Oli you will be missed. I will miss your smile, your laughter, and good sense of humor,
And me, I would like to say I am very, very sorry to Jane , Holly and Ginzele for to have lost such a wonderful son, husband, and father. He gave always the best gift of all…. Love. I know as much as he loved you all that he left a tiny piece of his heart here with you three. And Oli I hope that you can feel all the love and wishes sending to you up in heaven. I know your sweet beautiful smile is making it a brighter place up there. And the world here is a lesser place without you forever kindness and that same smile. Rest In Peace love you always.
Rhonda
Oli,
Or should I say Elder Smith? You were one of the good ones. We served in Cobourg, Ontario for about three months in 1998, when we were a Zone Leader companionship. Sometimes we had a third companion, such as earnest Elder Robison from Alberta. If I remember correctly, I was the last companion you had when you ended your mission.
I still recall some of our inside jokes 24 years later. Like the way you would pronounce "Father" as it if rhymes with "slather," even in a prayer. (Yes, just to make me laugh). See, it's an inside joke, nobody else will think it's funny. And "Oh is that ever nice" with a Canadian accent. You had an infectious smile, always quick with a joke and a laugh, and you were one of the most confident missionaries I ever met. You projected success everywhere you went, and you made people want to listen to you and be near you.
Not long after I got home from my mission in 1999, I heard about your Jeep accident that nearly took your life and your ear. You took me out to lunch at the Little America and ordered a Reuben sandwich, milkshake-style. You could only eat through a straw. You said it was good but I wasn't fully convinced. I think you were just being positive, as you always were.
I have enjoyed following and reading your posts on social media. I regret not having face-to-face contact with you in many years. I hope and pray that some of what I learned from you in the late 90s has rubbed off on me, especially the never-ending optimism and zest for life. God bless you and your family.
Love, Mark (Elder) LaRocco
I knew Oli and as many have expressed and know so personally, he was thoughtful, kind, enthusiastic, engaging, authentic, persistent, and so commonly wore such an infectious smile.
Among so many talents and attributes, and acknowledging struggles he sometimes shared freely, I admire him most for the sweet and genuine nature of his spirit and the sense he shared that we're all beloved children of God. He knew who he was -- who he is.
I will miss him but believe as he did before crossing the threshold between mortality and life everlasting, that Oli is now just on to next steps and lives there with an even greater fullness of soul than he did here (which really is so much). With and as his acknowledged Savior, Jesus Christ, he lives, and for those of a mind to, we'll see Oli again.
Godspeed, sweet friend. Until we meet again.
Adam
Oli, you will be so missed. Thank you for always be there to share positivity and light. I loved hearing stories about your childhood with your grandpa Homer, and how proud you are of your daughter. One thing you said almost every time I talked to you or saw you was “be grateful for every day you’re given and every breath you take, because you don’t know how many more you’ll be given.” You lived by those words. Your passing has been a shock to the system, as I’m sure all who knew you can relate. You’ve left behind a legacy of success and loving relationships and friendships. It was a honor to know you. It’s difficult knowing I won’t be able to see or talk to you again. Thank you for opening my eyes to the true meaning of unconditional friendship. Wish we had been able to get out and skateboard this summer like we’d talked about. You’ll be in my thoughts out there. ❤️
My heart aches. Oli was a friend of many year and we share a passion for the wireless industry. Peace be with you and your family Oli. Till we meet again. #familiesareforever
I am shocked and saddened by this news, as I had no idea he was struggling. He was such a great man and good friend with a lot of talent. My heart goes out to his family during this time of loss. May be rest in peace.
Thank you Oli for all the smiles. I appreciate the time we had together in Coburg and how you always had a plan. It was inspiring to hear of your future plans. Thank you all the impressions and finding a way to help other smile. Rest In Peace.
I never met you but found your obituary when it blew into my leg during a walk. Prayers for you and your family.