Robert Eric Smith

Robert Eric Smith, age 55, passed away at home in Draper, Utah, on July 22, 2026, at 3:25 p.m., surrounded by his wife and children, following a lengthy and courageous battle with kidney cancer. Eric has now returned to heaven, where he is reunited with departed loved ones, including his parents and grandparents. He is now at peace, free from the burden of daily cancer treatments and their side effects.

Born on May 11, 1971, in Newport News, Virginia, to Robert Frank Smith and Kathleen Knell, Eric soon moved to Bountiful, Utah, where he was raised with his identical twin brother, Scott, and younger brothers, Jared and Aaron. Since his childhood, Eric developed an interest in English grammar, syntax, and United States history. These passions shaped his life, guiding both his higher education and his professional career. Starting in 11th grade and continuing through graduate school, Eric was an extremely focused student who dedicated himself to academics. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University and a law degree from the University of Utah.

Throughout his life, Eric was active in and deeply dedicated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved God and Jesus Christ devoutly and believed fully in the essential teachings of the Church. As a young man, he served a full-time mission in Tacoma, Washington. He took seriously every calling and served with all his energy and heart.

Eric met, fell in love with, and married Gina Harkness. He immensely admired her intelligence, sense of humor, commitment to her family, and work ethic. He would often remark, “I fished my wish.” They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on October 23, 2003. Eric and Gina have five children together. Eric's family was the best and most important thing that ever happened to him.

Being a father was Eric’s proudest and most cherished role. He relished bonding with Gabriella over their mutual love of literature and lit up when she walked into a room. He rejoiced in seeing Emmitt develop his sense of humor and was filled with peace as Emmitt’s testimony grew on his mission. Eric adored having twins (and being a twin) and shared a love of basketball, attention to detail, and organization with both Chloe and Charlotte. He loved to laugh with Chloe and be audience to her impromptu skits and jokes. He was amazed at Charlotte’s keen eye for opportunities to serve. No matter his medical condition, Eric prioritized attending Tennyson’s soccer games to cheer him on. Tennyson became Eric’s right-hand man, and the two were often found working together in the garage or yard or garden.

Eric worked as an attorney “at law” in Salt Lake City for two years before transitioning to pursue his true passion. For 25 years, he worked as an editor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, first in the Curriculum Department and then in the Church History Department. The crowning jewel of his career was his work on the Joseph Smith Papers Project, which beautifully blended his love for language and history. As the project’s editorial manager and later a general editor, he played a key role in publishing the definitive, 27-volume scholarly edition of Joseph Smith’s writings and teachings. He gained great satisfaction from both the work he did and the friendships he made throughout his career, and his colleagues loved him for his kindness, wit, and good judgment.

Eric’s expertise in Latter-day Saint history led to personal book projects and countless invitations to speak at Church events, but more importantly, it prepared him for influential conversations with family and friends. He deeply loved doing this work and cherished the opportunity to share his knowledge and testimony of the Prophet Joseph with the world.

Eric is remembered by his beloved wife, Gina, and their five children: Gabriella (21), Emmitt (19), Chloe (16), Charlotte (16), and Tennyson (14), as well as their two dogs, Reggie (10) and Winston (1). He is also remembered by his brothers, Scott (Kim), Jared (Sarah), and Aaron (Sydney).

From a young age, Eric was a kind and attentive listener, a curious observer of people and the world, an elite writer, a master gardener, and a true lover of history and nonfiction. He made an effort to not only get to know the people around him but to intimately understand them. He also thoroughly enjoyed watching nearly any sport and loved discussing games and statistics with his family and friends.

Eric's strength, love, loyalty, intellect, humor, kindness, service, and devotion will be forever missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to attend a public visitation on Saturday, August 1, 2026, 9:00–10:30 a.m., followed by the celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. Both services will be held at the Draper Utah Meadows stake center, 575 E 13800 S., Draper, UT 84020.

* Please send any monetary donations via Venmo: @ginahsmith.

To view a recording of Eric's service, please click the tab above that says "Watch Services".