Vaughn Smith

It’s hard to sum up the life of a man and fit it into one concise narrative. Vaughn lived through many chapters and had some of the best stories. He met too many people to count, most of whom ended up loving him even if they tried not to. He was an avid baseball fan and a history buff. He was a poker player and a music lover. He was a connoisseur of fine food, cigars, whiskey, and wine. He was a mentor, a teacher, and a sarcastic jokester.

He was a son who tested his parents’ patience and pushed the limits on what was and was not acceptable in a small town in the 50s & 60s. Though he eventually left that small town, it was home, and he was always comfortable in the mountains, sitting on a tailgate with a drink in hand.

He was a brother who shared secret stories, nicknames, and memories with his siblings. If you were not part of their conversation, you may not have understood a word they said.

He was the husband to a soulmate he was connected to for years before they met and years after he lost her.

He was a bonus family member who taught old and new generations what it meant to accept another into their lives.

He was a friend who, if you made the list, would bail you out of jail in a foreign country. At a minimum, he would share space next to you on a barstool, a patio or a garage swapping stories or doling out advice hidden within a story.

He was a father who would move mountains to make his daughter happy, but also insure she could find her own way.

He was a father-in-law to a son he considered his own and who, in turn, loved him like a father.

He was a grandfather who spoke in riddles and metaphors, always seeking a teaching opportunity in even the most mundane of moments.

Had I taken a poll prior to writing this, I’m certain I would have found he was something different to everyone.

He is now reunited with the love of his life, Georgette Proestakis, and his parents, Don and Normalind Smith. He is already missed by too many to count, but among the top are his daughter, son-in-law and grandson, Andrea, Rob and Max Jacobsen and his siblings, Bonnie Davis, Jerry Smith and Blair Smith.

A graveside service will be held Friday, November 19th at 1:00 at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Afterward, we will have an Open House to celebrate Vaughn’s life from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m., with music, food, drinks, and memories at Wasatch Brew Pub. 2110 South Highland Drive, Sugarhouse,

Collected Along the Way

Written by Vaughn

2.20.2013

Never was much for setting goals, at least not any designed, thought-out strategies. For a good number of years, it was just about making rent.

I always thought I’d fancy a pair of custom fitted handmade boots and a new pick-up truck, got good use from both for a good number of years.

What I didn’t imagine was meeting the absolute most amazing woman I could have dreamed of. Intelligent, fantastic sense of humor, and really easy on the eyes! She accepted my proposal! I tried to figure out why for years. It would be hard to string the words together to say just how much she means to me, I think she knows, I hope she knows. Love you 9’s baby! It was my pleasure!

And my daughter who I couldn’t be more proud of. We shared a lot of life; she endured many of my mistakes. She grew to be a fantastic person, full of energy, optimism, empathy, a view of life we all should be so lucky to hold, we have a special relationship for so many, many reasons. Thank you, Andrea.

Max, you are five years old when I start this letter, don’t know when you will read it but always know you slowly changed my life, having a grandson, and knowing my grandson kind of finished the picture. I hope you will grow to be a fine man; you have terrific parents to show you the way, pay attention. Live a good meaningful life… “see the ball hit the ball.” I hope you learned from me, I hope you will miss me when I’m gone, think of me now and then.

I guess if you all are reading this, I’m the one in pine box. I hope it was relatively pain free for all of us, hope no one had to wipe the drool from my chin!

About now you can tune up some George Strait tunes, won’t matter much which ones!

I probably didn’t leave a bag of gold behind, whatever I leave I trust you will sort out without much of a fuss. Be good to each other, love each other, always stay connected, it’s very important to me you do this!

Not sure what’s next but I look forward to talking to Dad and a hug from my mother.

A country boy who got very lucky!