All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God.

Richard M Smith, a worthy son of God returned to his Heavenly Home and to the arms of his beloved wife Julia on October 13, 2021 after enduring 30 plus years of Parkinson Disease.

Richard was born on July 7, 1934 to Elliot Edward and Mary Snyder Smith in Provo Utah. Shortly after his arrival on earth he was followed by his identical twin Raymond. Raymond always said Richard would never have been born if it wasn't for him pushing him out.

Richard grew up in American Fork on "The Farm" and then moved to Lehi where he graduated from Lehi High School. Richard and Raymond made a name for themselves on the football field. No one wanted to be across the line from either one of them. They were "mean" twins. They were full of life and fun and were always trading places with each other to confuse teachers and friends.

Richard met Julia Anna Holmes at a rodeo in Ogden and fell in love. They were married November 19, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. They remained in Lehi their entire married life. Richard loved rodeo and he and his brother competed in bull dogging as well as other events. Richard could be found on the football field coaching the Lehi Giants Little League football team. He made a positive and lasting impression on many boys during the time he coached football. He loved sports especially BYU football. He loved the outdoors, camping and hunting as well as fishing for white bass at Utah Lake. He was a devoted father and raised 4 boys and one daughter teaching them the value of hard work and the importance of building strong family ties.

Richard was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many callings, his favorite being a Temple worker as well as doing extraction work with his wife Julia.

Richard is survived by his children Shane Smith, Perry (Greta) Smith, Cody (Shelly) Smith and Angie (Brandon) Gerber as well as two daughters-in- laws Collette Smith and Cindy (Sherm) Gallagher, 17 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren which he adored. He is also survived by his siblings Leland (Helen) Smith, Joann Grace, Raymond (Marcia Ann) Smith and Kay (Joe) Shelton. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Mary Lou, his wife Julia, a son Stacy J Smith and a granddaughter Sierra Smith.

To his family and friends Richard was the perfect example of "enduring patiently to the end". His complaints were minimal and his smile was evident of the love he had for life, his family and for Heavenly Father. For the past two years Richard has been a resident of Highland Glen Assisted Living Center in Highland where he made a lasting impression on other residents and employees there. His room was a revolving door of family and friends who came to visit. When Covid stopped the in room visits the family was still vigilant in making the most of a bad situation and they visited him through the window often leaving treats, signs and letters and cards expressing their love for him. As a family we wish to thank the staff of Highland Glen for their dedication to the care of our father.

A viewing will be held on Monday October 18th from 6-8 pm at the Alpine 10th ward building located at 327 S Long Drive, Alpine Utah. A viewing will also be held the following morning from 10-10:45 followed by a funeral service beginning at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the Lehi City Cemetery.

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