Verdi Thomas Smith passed away on April 24th 2023. Born February 4th 1943 to Gerard Thomas Smith and Nona Jones Smith. His parents loved music and named Verdi after a famous composer. Verdi also loved music and was very musically talented. Like his name he was unique in his kindness and generosity to those he came in contact with.
Verdi was a member of the first class to graduate from the newly built Highland High School. He gained a love of running while on the Highland High track team and continued running until he was no longer able; even completing the St. George Marathon in 1981.
He went on to graduate from the University of Utah in accounting. Ever the diligent worker, he paid his way through school while supporting his young family. He met his sweetheart, Sherry, in a Latin American dance class at the university. They danced through their courtship and after being married in the Salt Lake Temple in April of 1968, they continued to dance through their marriage.
After being born and raised in Salt Lake CIty, Verdi left the state briefly after enlisting in the National Guard and completing his basic training at Fort Ord California.
In 1992 he was diagnosed with a rare form of Multiple Sclerosis. For the next 30 years he battled the steady decline in his physical capabilities and the ever changing expectations about how life would play out. He was in constant pain but seldom complained. He was a gracious and sweet man.
Verdi is survived by his wife Sherry Pearce Smith. Sons Derek Verdi Smith and Damon Noble Smith (Kaylie). Daughters Audra Lynette Smith (Paul) and Adrienne Smith Gagnon (Darrin) and 9 grandchildren.
For those desiring the view the recorded service, please click on the blue "Watch Services" tab above.
Derek I'm sorry for your loss. Your Dad sounds like he was an amazing person and, knowing you he must have been an amazing Father.
I only had the opportunity to personally interact with Verdi on one occasion, but his son and family shared about him over the years. He was kind, thoughtful, and wise. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. He was immensely loved! With love.
Sherry, we are so sorry for your loss of Verdi. He was such a fine, loving man, and was so courageous in his battle with MS. You were a wonderful caretaker for him.
May you be comforted by the knowledge that you will be with him again. May the Lord bless you and keep you
I love Verdi! He was one of the kindest people I've ever known. I lived in the same ward as Verdi and Sherry when I was a teenager. It was one fateful Saturday morning that I woke up in a panic because I was sure that I was late for a service project we were doing for the Smiths that morning as a youth group. When I got there I found out I was wrong and that there wasn't an activity that day, but that didn't stop Verdi from finding things for me to do. It was that day that Verdi asked if I would be willing to come back over periodically to help with yard work and other projects. Agreeing to do this for him was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. For several years, Verdi would call every spring with a list of things he would like done, and from that point on I would come over a couple days a week throughout the spring and summer to help out. He insisted on paying me, even though I would refuse, he wouldn't take no for an answer. It was such a blessing though, because I saved that money and it helped pay for my mission. While working, he would come out with his walking stick and he'd use it to point at different branches or hedges that I had missed and still needed trimming. I could tell that he hated that he couldn't do it himself, and I tried my best to do it to his liking cause I knew if I didn't it would bug him until I came back the next time. Haha. He was a great example of how to give constructive criticism. Haha
My favorite times though were when he would come out as I finished and he would just talk with me. He took time to get to know me, to share advice and stories with me and to listen to me. I think about him often. I think about him when I mow my lawn or trim my hedges and I wonder if Verdi would approve. I think of how he treated me with kindness and care even though I was far from the best landscaper. I try to follow his example when interacting with others.
My thoughts and prayers are with Sherry and her family. I love Verdi and I love you all.
Brigham Mero
Our condolences, Sherrie and family. What a Trooper Verdi was and is!
We have admired him for years! You also, I retired in about 2016 and we went on a mission to Bolivia. We lost track of the Smiths during that
2 years and are so sorry we couldn't get in touch. We love you all.
Reed & Kathleen Thacker