Nilan Smith

We lovingly announce the peaceful passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, Nilan Lamont Smith on October 28, 2022.

Nilan was born November 8, 1925, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He is the son of Joseph S. and Margaret Smith, husband to his late precious love, Minnie Robinson Smith.  He is father of the late Tom Smith (Connie), Sid Smith (Vicki), Larry Smith (Kathryn) and Katherine Jane Smith Mackay (Spencer), and grandfather to his large posterity, all of whom he adored.

Our dad grew up in Chester and St. Anthony, Idaho.  He joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II in the Pacific.  His greatest joy was meeting our mother in El Paso, Texas, then marrying in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He loved his career as a piping designer, raising four kids and making every move a big adventure for us. He and Minnie happily served in the Church, including the Salt Lake City Inner City Mission as well as twenty-seven years in the Jordan River Temple.

Nilan was always happiest when outdoors, enjoying any natural water source, then camping under starry skies after enjoying trout frying over a campfire. He especially loved it, when as many family members as possible joined in.

He will be remembered for his generous open-door policy of welcoming all into his home, often to stay for weeks or years at a time; his love of country, his love of his family stories, and serving others, especially the widows.

Nilan and Minnie and family lived in most of the Western United States and Chihuahua, Mexico. They eventually settled in Taylorsville, Utah where they happily resided for forty-nine years. They adored their neighbors and church community.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taylorsville 30^th Ward, 4252 South Bennion Road, Taylorsville, Utah.  A viewing will be held prior to the services that morning from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m.

Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South Valley Cemetery, 13001 3600 West, Riverton, Utah.

Services may be attended virtually at:

https://zoom.us/j/96104140046