Paul L. Smart, our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away after a long and valiant battle with cancer on August 18, 2017.Paul was born to Elaine McCormick and Lesly E. Smart on February 12, 1948 in Salt Lake City, Utah.He shared that birthday with his younger brother Rob and President Lincoln, and said "great men were born on that day", with which we agree.Paul grew up in Holladay, Utah being taught to work by his father Les and his grandfather Melvin McCormick. Paul loved horses and learned valuable lessons as he helped his father care for them and then eventually had his own mare to care for.He won ribbons in several fairs as he showed his beloved Charmain. Paul served an honorable mission to Brazil for 2 Ω years, learning much from his beloved mission president Lloyd Hicken and the missionaries he served with. Paul attended Utah State University and BYU.To earn money for his schooling he would get up early to milk cows; the cold winter at USU challenged him, but he had set a goal and perserved.Sundaymornings he would have to get up earlier so that he would be ready to attend his church meetings.Paul met and married his sweetheart, Edie Rona, August 30, 1971 in the Salt Lake City Temple. When asked a few days before his death by a granddaughter what his greatest decision was, he said, "when I married your grandmother". Even though there were challenges throughout their life, they faced them together.Paul worked in Sales all of his life and loved the challenge of "cold calling on customers". He recently retired from TorcUP in July 2017 due to his health, but couldn't really stop trying to "solve problems, help a customer with an order or check on an order".The day he passed we received two calls from customers, who were shocked to find he was gone.They had no idea he was so ill.That was Paul. He never complained and would never let on that he wasn't feeling well.He had two answers when asked how he was feeling;"With my fingers" and "Livin the Dream".
Paul loved work, especially being outside in the yard.His yard is a showcase of many hours of hard work along with his sweetheart and even his children when they were young.This past year he has had to let his family care for his yard and he would oversee their efforts.I think he was pleased with the results. Paul loved being a husband, father and grandfather.He loved being a missionary and serving his Heavenly Father.Paul served in many capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but his favorite calling was serving as a Ward Mission Leader with Edie and then on the High Council overseeing the Missionary work of the Butler West Stake.
Paul is survived by his wife, Edie, his wonderful and caring children, Jason Smart, Jennifer and Lance Fisher, Brian Smart , Michael and Tammy Smart, Joshua Smart and Duke Siotkas , and Nathan Smart and his beloved 20 grandchildren .
Paul was preceded in death by his father, mother and his younger brother Randall Smart.
Services will be heldSaturday, August 26, 2017 at 12:00(noon) at the Butler West Stake Center (1845 East 7200 So).Friends may callFriday August 25, 2017 from 6 ‚ 8 pmat Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) and alsoon Saturdayfrom10 ‚ 11:45 am prior to services.Burial will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
Paul's family would like to thank the many who cared so lovingly for Paul during his life. He was blessed to know the wonderful colleagues from work who became friends; his extended and immediate family; his wonderful ward and neighborhood family ; and the caring health professionals who became friends. (Utah Cancer and recently the Hospice care from CNS)
If you would like to make a contribution you may contribute to the LDS Humanitarian Fund.
