Philip Eugene Smith

Phil was born January 21, 1961 in Greeley, Colorado to Roy Lory Smith, Jr. and Grace May Smith (Knight) joining older sisters Lorraine (Lory) and Karen. Early on, he met lifelong friends Terry and Kurt, and during Phil’s senior year of high school he and Terry played varsity tennis, going undefeated in their 1979 conference. He attended Mesa College in Grand Junction and earned an associate degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in business administration. During this time he began work at U.S. Stereo in Mesa Mall, an early step of a fruitful career.

Phil met Cynthia (Cindy) Newport in 1981 at Mesa College, where she was a nursing student. During the summer of 1983, she became a close confidant and a great friend. From this friendship they dated officially for only two weeks before deciding to be married in six months on August 18, 1984.

After graduation in 1984, Phil and a fellow salesman at U.S. Stereo became partners and approached the major shareholder with a plan to buy them out. In 1989, their goal was complete. Their newly named U.S. Tech became a success, expanding from 2,400 square feet to over 4,000 and later to a custom-built store on Patterson Road. They took an educational approach with their customers, reflected in several awards. In 2010, Phil received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Mesa for professional success and service to the community. He managed the business’s accounting until his retirement. The business closed in 2015.

Phil and Cindy had three children: Terry (1989), Taylor (1992), and Abigail (Abby) (1995). Phil was most proud of his family and devotion to his wife. In 1989, Phil and Cindy became members of First United Methodist Church. Phil was soon active in the choir, a passion that started in his late youth and which he expanded on when he joined the Schumann Singers in 1995. He was also active in church committees and was the lay leader for three years. He started a puppet ministry for the children’s message, writing scripts and performing for almost 30 years. In 2003, Phil and his family moved into a home he designed. Phil loved to socialize and made a point to form strong connections; wherever he lived he quickly got to know his neighbors, several of whom became dear friends.

Phil made blood donations for much of his life. When he was forced to stop due to a multiple sclerosis diagnosis at age 38, he had donated 15 gallons, including whole blood and pheresis. His goal had been to reach 60 gallons, and his hope was for everyone to continue his dream of helping others in this way.

Despite Phil’s 25 years with multiple sclerosis, he kept in pursuit of the activities he loved.

Phil loved to dance, often to disco and funk (and was good at it, too). He enjoyed traveling, playing long games of golf with friends and taking memorable summer trips with his family. He was passionate about genealogy and was proud of his Colorado pioneer ancestry. Phil had a wry, witty and playful sense of humor. He loved woodworking, a good cigar, camping, and a late-afternoon beer in the sunshine.

Phil is survived by his wife Cindy of 41 years, son Terry and wife Katie, son Taylor and wife Trista, daughter Abby, sisters Lory and Karen, extended family, and friends.

A celebration of life service for Phil will be open to the public on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church on White Avenue in Grand Junction, followed by an offsite reception from 12:30 to 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local blood bank