Richard Clain Smith, affectionately known to family and friends as Dick, Moby Dick, and simply Richard, passed away on November 6, 2024, in Lehi, Utah, after a courageous battle with dementia. He was 82 years old. Born on June 4, 1942, in Cache County, Utah, on his mother's birthday, he was the eldest of two children born to Clain William Smith and Iva LaVee Lauritzen.

Dick's adventurous spirit was nurtured by his upbringing in a military family, which allowed him to experience life in diverse locations, including Puerto Rico, Japan, and Ethiopia. His love for the outdoors was evident in his many pursuits—hiking in the Three Sisters Wilderness, the Tetons, the Grand Canyon, and the Narrows; fishing in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest; and navigating the rapids of his favorite rivers. Even at the age of 80, he was still skiing and cycling. Dick truly lived for his next adventure.

In 1968, he earned his MBA from Brigham Young University and embarked on a successful career with Mobil Chemical in California and Illinois. Most of his professional life was spent in the heavy machinery industry in Oregon – Papé Cat in Eugene and Hyster Sales Company in the Portland area. He later worked for Wheeler Machinery in Salt Lake City and concluded his professional journey back at BYU, where he dedicated himself to helping MBA students find their paths in the world.

In 1967, Dick married Afton Linda Werner, and although their marriage later ended in divorce, they were blessed with seven wonderful children. Throughout their years together, the family lived in various locations, including California, Illinois, Oregon, and Utah. They shared many cherished adventures, including homesteading six acres in the Coburg Hills outside Eugene, Oregon, where they designed and built a log home, raised chickens, and cultivated a garden. Their love for the outdoors flourished through camping, fishing, and hiking trips across the Pacific Northwest and the Mountain West. Eventually, the family moved to Bountiful, Utah, and later, American Fork.

In 2010, Dick found love again when he married Terry Raye Twitchell. Together, they created a beautiful life in American Fork, filled with adventures as they traveled to California, St. George, Hawaii, France, Jerusalem, and many other destinations, making memories that would last a lifetime.

A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Dick served an LDS mission in Central America from 1962 to 1964. He later served as the bishop of his Eugene, Oregon ward and held numerous other church callings throughout his life.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife, Terry Raye Twitchell; his brother, Robert "Bob" L. Smith (Donna Trumbull); and his beloved children: Kimberly Smith Chatwin (John), Glenn Richard Smith (Tanya Mickelson), Chanalin Smith Prina (Dave), Sydney Smith Young (John), Stuart Michael Smith (Lindsey Beecroft), Theodore Clain "T.C." Smith (Melissa Felix), and Amanda Smith McCombs (Leigh). He is also survived by 27 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild on the way.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Dick understood the depth of his love and the value he placed on relationships, especially Terry and their family.

He often joked that he had "escaped the jaws of death one more time" after returning from his adventures. While he may have succumbed to physical death, we take comfort in knowing he is embarking on his next great adventure.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bellaview Assisted Living, Renew Hospice, and Beyond Senior Care for their compassionate care over the last year.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Clain William Smith and Iva LaVee Lauritzen, and his stepson, Coleman "Cole" Alexander Twitchell.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at The American Fork 19th Ward Building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1305 North 100 East, American Fork, UT 84003. A viewing will take place at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. The grave dedication and interment will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George, Utah.

Services will also be streamed via YouTube with the included URL:

https://youtube.com/live/P0dn6NMCpHc

In loving memory of Richard Clain Smith, may his adventurous spirit continue to inspire us all.