Brian, I remember you fondly from your time at St. Joan of Arc where I was an outspoken middle schooler serving Mass. You were a voice for the Gospel and made the Word come alive on Sundays and especially at weekday school masses. I loved getting to know you as a Catholic health care leader and I am so glad we got to visit at Colloquium in March. May those who loved you find peace and know you are watching over them. 

I was very sad to hear of Brian's untimely death and sad I could not come to the wake or funeral. Brian was very helpful to me when I was going through a difficult time in my life. I will always be grateful for his help and inspiration.  My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

I am so saddened with the passing of Brian.
I had the privilege to be serve many times on Committees, attend conferences that he planned, coordinated and conducted.
Always very fine!  
He had such a beautiful, warm presence and so when he spoke with you, you felt you were the only one in the room.
His smile and humor lighted up a room!
My heart grieves for his family!
Please know my prayers are with you!
Barbara Savage



Brian’s presence in Catholic Health care brought joy, hospitality, and a faithful depth to all of us who benefitted from his leadership. He was wholly human and a delightful conversationalist. I am gifted by knowing him and send my affection to his family, friends and colleagues who miss his presence.

Sr Mary Therese Sweeney
Providence St Joseph Health

Our hearts go out to the Smith family.  We remember Brian's compassionate heart, wisdom, and deep faith.  Brian helped so many people deal with their illness and struggles.  He was a beautiful comforting presence to my sister Jeanne and our family.
Our deepest sympathy.


Brian with the champagne I sent over to celebrate his retirement. His smile says everything you need to know about him.  An absolute joy to be around, he was always so kind and generous to me. One of the rare friends I could go to mass with, watch a baseball game, share a meal prepared by him, talk about life,  have a beer and then sing show tunes with…all in the same day. Brian was a Best Friend and Mentor and I will miss him always. I love you. 

Brian helped me in my road of recover and I would not be sober today if it wouldn't have been for Brian.   We had a friendship and he was such an encouragement and strength to my walk with the Lord.
May God pour out His peace and strength to the family . Gordon

So very sorry for your loss. Heaven has gained another beautiful angel, as we have lost one of earths most precious gifts. Brian will be missed by all that were blessed enough to know him. My heart aches for the entire family.  Please know that I am sending all my love and pray that eventually you will all remember the wonderful gift that you were blessed with, instead of the pain that is fresh in your hearts. All my love, Cathy Stockton 

I am so sorry for your loss of Brian.  I remember his sense of humor and contagious smile.   And who could forget his impression of Steve Martin's, "Two wild and crazy guys!"
I will keep you all in my prayers.
Joan Vogel Kruger

My sincere sympathy to Bill and the Smith family.  The world is a lessor place without Brian, but heaven has certainly gained an angel.    He was a blessing to everyone who knew him.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Brian at the March 2022 Critical Conversations Meetings in Irving, TX - sitting on the porch at the hotel reviewing the next day's program.  He was a wonderful colleague to travel and work with, always so caring about others.   

It was a blessing to have worked (and celebrated) with Brian. He was ever congenial and always dapper. This is with Sr. Mary at the CHA Christmas party in 2019.  My sincere condolences to Brian's loved ones.

Trimming that Christmas Tree will never be the same for me because of you, Brian.  You made sure that day that the tree WILL BE FOUND and decorated.  I thank you for being the stable, warm, protective spirit in the department.  I already miss your coming and going as you pass my desk whenever you are in St Louis.  For me, your presence in the office conveys that all will be ok.  We, your Mission Group, always knew just how much you care for us. 
I would love to hear how good is the food and wine there, when I see you again.  Au revoir, Brian! Arrivederci.

We'll remember this happy meal we had at this place in Boulouris, southern France

Brunch at German Village two weeks ago. Ages ago...  So happy, and so sad now.

We had a great Halloween time with you and Bill, tasting home-made pumpkin cake, chili con carne, and so much more. The picture shows an exception: eating out.

When my daugther was about five years old, we went to Eckert's in Belleville to pick peaches.  The next day, she wanted to take one to Father Brian.  When she gave it to him, he got down on his knees so he was eye level with her.  He thanked her, hugged her, and told her he was going to take it home, peel it, and slice it into his breakfast cereal.  He made her feel about ten feet tall!  I will never, ever, forget his sincerity and kindness.  He was a wonderful Christian man.  My condolences to his family.

I will always cherish the memories of our friendship. Brian made our special day even more special by his presence.  Our prayers are with Bill and Brian's family.
Much Love,
Randy and Kevin (L.S.)

“Uncle Brian” will be remembered by my kids as the one who let them get close to the “special” ornaments on the tree and always gave an extra cookie. I will remember his wonderful laugh, smile and generous hospitality. Sending prayers and love to Bill and family.  

Brian’s surprise 60th birthday party in San Francisco ❤️

Brian was a gentle sincere faithful man. I enjoyed working with him on the board of the Coalition For Physician Well Being. My heart goes out to those of you who are close to him. You have lost a great friend and companion. 

Blessings, Malcolm Herring

One of our cherished weekend getaways.   So many memories of travel, fun and adventures 

In the shock of Brian's sudden death, our hearts are broken.  His time at Mount Carmel St. Anne's is remembered with joy and especially his singing.  May the joy that he gave to others be his in abundance for eternity.  Condolences and prayers from everyone at Mount Carmel.

I met Brian when he became affiliated with Dignity Columbus.  It was after he left active priesthood.  But his Priesthood never left him.  He carried his devotion to the way of Jesus throughout his life.  He was a compassionate, healing and humorous man in my life while I knew him.  I unfortunately did not have opportunity to experience his culinary gifts!  I hold all those in prayer who grieve this sudden, unexplicable and seemingly cruel twist of fate.  I celebrate the release Brian must now feel in the presence of Absolute Love.

Brian and I shared a group of friends during our undergrad years and beyond. Some favorite and mostly happy memories include: his smooth disco moves, skiing in Colorado, lunches in Busch Student Center, his “Skylab is Falling” party, the day before Thanksgiving at Rigazzi’s, Irma’s and Eric’s funeral, and praying for each other. Blessings be to all who know and love this man who offered so much healing and joy to our world!

One of my fondest memories.  Brian treated the staff to a ride on the ferris wheel at Union Station after our department retreat.

Brian Smith and his partner, Dr. Bill Mains were very good friends of ours and we send our love and support to Bill Mains at this difficult time.  Victor Hugo once said, "To love another person is to see the Face of God."  It is true of this fine couple.

Love, Joe Gentilini and Leo Radel

I remember my trip to St. Louis in 2016. Brian was such a perfect tour guide and I could clearly see how much he loved It there. He was a proud and gracious host. My heart goes out to Bill, and Brian’s entire family. A bright light gone, way too soon. 

To each of Brian's family members, my deepest condolences and prayers.   He was a good friend and I know Our Lord holds him close to his heart.   Know that I will remember him and each of you at Mass each day.    May he rest in peace.  

I am truly sorry for the families loss.  Brian was a genuine caring man.  My heart goes out to all that loved him.  God Bless you all!

Too many memories to share but our latest Cardinals adventure: Tom,Freddy, Brian and Bill! There will be a great game in heaven; God speed dear friend ⚾️🥰

My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to  William , to all Brian’s siblings, family and friends.  
A wonderful person, with a servant heart.  He achieved much in life.  Our years at Kendrick and after offered much to celebrate.  May eternal life and peace be God’s newest gift. 
Fr. Chuck Edwards, St. Jude Church, Rochester, Il. 

Brian, a true Christian  gentleman and a man I admired and loved like a big brother is profoundly missed by me (and our tight support group) already.  My prayers, my heart goes out to Bill, Brian's siblings and step-mom. I pray you all feel one with Jesus Who embraces you with consolation and strength and delightful memories. May Brian be in heaven's glory and may perpetual light shine upon him and those gone before him in whose company he now gloriously shares.
- john schwaig

This tremendous loss is so very heartbreaking for all who knew Brian. His faith was impressive and hopefully will be a comfort for all of us. Taken from us too soon, but he will never be forgotten. Lifting his beloved Bill up in prayer, love and support.  
~ Ken and Chad 

There are no words to comfort Bill and the rest of Brian’s family.  He was a kind, funny, loving, generous soul. May peace be with all who love him. RIP Brian.  ❤️

OBITUARY

Brian Patrick Smith

February 12, 1958 – November 8, 2022

Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary

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