Norman Clair Smith

Norman Clair Smith, 76 of Rigby passed away quietly and unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, April 14, 2016. Clair was born October 12, 1939 in Fruita, Colorado, a son of Norman Lee Smith and Zona Ingrid Cato. He spent his early childhood in Kremmling, Colorado and later in Fruita and Ogden, Utah. He graduated from Fruita High School. He continued his education at BYU in Provo, Utah earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Statistics. He married his sweetheart Josephine “Josie” Brown in the Manti LDS Temple on September 5, 1961. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he served in many callings including Scout Master, Elder’s Quorum President, Executive Secretary and he was currently serving in the Sunday School Presidency. Over his successful career, he worked as a quality engineer, safety analyst, and computer programmer, in numerous industries, including aerospace, nuclear and defense. He was instrumental in numerous high level projects such as the Apollo lunar missions, Space Shuttle safety, rocket propulsion, guidance systems, the Kepler Project and many others. Despite the challenging nature of his career, he loved his involvement in highly complex projects and in addition to his tenacity, he always approached each new project with enthusiasm and cheerfulness. Clair was a positive and happy person and had an unstoppable energy and a zest for life. His integrity was impeccable and his kindness was legendary. He could repair or build nearly anything and built several homes, including his beautiful home in the cottonwoods along the dry bed in LaBelle. He deeply loved his family. His sweetheart was his everything. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his greatest treasure and he loved playing with them and pushing them on the famous rope swing at his home. He tirelessly served his posterity and those around him. He was an incredibly talented musician and was known for his guitar and harmonica playing. He loved to share his music with others and it was enjoyed by all who knew him. He was a wonderful story teller and writer. Throughout his life he never stopped learning and was an avid reader. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time hunting, backpacking, and panning for gold. Clair will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife Josie of Rigby, daughters, Shelley (Joel) Hitz of Rigby, Lisa (Thomas) Snarr of Rexburg, sons, Tracy (Kimberly) Smith of Sunnydell, Travis (Cheryl) Smith of Greenback, Tennessee, brother, Karl Leland Smith of Idaho Falls, stepsister, Luella Bennett of Ucon, half-brother, Dale Nowels of Phoenix, Arizona,16 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and mother. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at the LaBelle 3rd Ward LDS Chapel (364 N. 4100 E. Rigby) with Bishop Adams conducting. Family will meet with friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby and prior to the service from 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. Burial will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.