Blaine died June 15, 2026.
Blaine Kendall Smith passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, at the age of 75, surrounded by his beloved family in his home, following a courageous battle with dementia.
Blaine was born on October 11, 1950, to his goodly parents Douglas H. and Barbara B. Smith in Salt Lake City, Utah. In his early years he spent countless hours in the Edgehill Gym, playing little league sports, and spending time with his cherished family.
Blaine graduated from Highland High School where was he an all-state basketball and baseball star. Following high school, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Rather than pursue professional baseball, Blaine chose to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Pacific Northwest Mission.
Blaine's greatest achievement was meeting and marrying his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Sweeten. Following Blaine's mission, Blaine and Becky were sealed for all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 5, 1972.
Blaine attended the University of Utah where he played basketball for the Runnin' Utes. He scored the first regulation basket in the Special Events Center during a freshman game that preceded the first varsity game in the new arena.
After college, Blaine took a job at Utah Home Fire Insurance and was a loyal employee there for over three decades. He enjoyed his years there with his colleagues and friends, and working alongside members of his family.
Blaine and Becky had six children and lived most of their lives in Sugarhouse in the Highland Stake, where they loved their neighbors and tirelessly served them with quiet daily acts. Blaine has a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is a dedicated and consecrated disciple of the Savior. His life radiated kindness as he served those around him in many church callings, including his favorite calling as Director of Church Area Athletics. He was an exceptional home teacher and minister and taught his family to always look out for those in need. He was so proud of the dedicated full-time missionary service of his children and grandchildren all over the world. Blaine lived by the scripture "Choose you this day whom ye will serve ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
Throughout his life Blaine shared his love for athletics with hundreds of young men through the Juniors basketball program at the Edgehill Gym, and coaching little league football, basketball, and baseball. Nearly everywhere he went, someone would come up and say, "Hi Coach." There was rarely a place Blaine would go that he didn't run into "one of his dear friends." To know Blaine was to love him.
Blaine was a devoted husband and father. He found a way to attend most of his children and grandchildren's sporting and other events and was usually the first to arrive, sometimes before the building was open. His loyalty to his family is unmatched and his love will endure. He was so proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren and took every opportunity to tell everyone about their triumphs. Throughout his life he loved to spend time with his family on the golf course, at Utah games, at Becky's parents ranch in Midway, Utah, at Hans' Cabin in Hebgen Lake Montana, on family vacations to California and Kauai, and backyard barbeques.
Blaine lived his life for his Savior and his family. He lived a life full of accomplishment and happiness. His legacy will live on in his eternal family and he will always be remembered for his kindness, humor, loyalty and love. He often said he was the richest man in the world because he had his family.
Blaine is preceded in death by his parents Douglas and Barbara Smith, in-laws Robert and Phyllis Sweeten, brother Barton Smith, brother in-law Robert Sweeten (Deyanne), and brother in-law Carl Faulkner. He is survived by his wife Becky Smith, his children David Smith (Karen), Sarah Chism (Matt), Scott Smith (Katy), Steven Smith (Jamie), Brian Smith (Tori), Brett Smith (Caitlin), 26 Grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren (with one on the way). He is also survived by his siblings Sandra Smith, Lillian Alldredge (Claron), sister-in-law Louise Smith, Lowell Smith (Lynne), Catherine Faulkner, Sherilynn Alba (Hector) and in-laws Toi Nielsen (Dennis), Heidi Sweeten, and Trace Sweeten.
The Smith family would like to thank all the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and doctors who worked countless hours to help Blaine during the last years of his life.
A viewing will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Mueller Park Stake Center at 1800 S. Mueller Park Road in Bountiful, Utah. The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 am, with a viewing preceding the services beginning at 9:30 am at the Mueller Park Stake Center.
Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary & Crematory YouTube channel and his obituary page at www.russonmortuary.com
Blaine was born on October 11, 1950, to his goodly parents Douglas H. and Barbara B. Smith in Salt Lake City, Utah. In his early years he spent countless hours in the Edgehill Gym, playing little league sports, and spending time with his cherished family.
Blaine graduated from Highland High School where was he an all-state basketball and baseball star. Following high school, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Rather than pursue professional baseball, Blaine chose to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Pacific Northwest Mission.
Blaine's greatest achievement was meeting and marrying his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Sweeten. Following Blaine's mission, Blaine and Becky were sealed for all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 5, 1972.
Blaine attended the University of Utah where he played basketball for the Runnin' Utes. He scored the first regulation basket in the Special Events Center during a freshman game that preceded the first varsity game in the new arena.
After college, Blaine took a job at Utah Home Fire Insurance and was a loyal employee there for over three decades. He enjoyed his years there with his colleagues and friends, and working alongside members of his family.
Blaine and Becky had six children and lived most of their lives in Sugarhouse in the Highland Stake, where they loved their neighbors and tirelessly served them with quiet daily acts. Blaine has a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is a dedicated and consecrated disciple of the Savior. His life radiated kindness as he served those around him in many church callings, including his favorite calling as Director of Church Area Athletics. He was an exceptional home teacher and minister and taught his family to always look out for those in need. He was so proud of the dedicated full-time missionary service of his children and grandchildren all over the world. Blaine lived by the scripture "Choose you this day whom ye will serve ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
Throughout his life Blaine shared his love for athletics with hundreds of young men through the Juniors basketball program at the Edgehill Gym, and coaching little league football, basketball, and baseball. Nearly everywhere he went, someone would come up and say, "Hi Coach." There was rarely a place Blaine would go that he didn't run into "one of his dear friends." To know Blaine was to love him.
Blaine was a devoted husband and father. He found a way to attend most of his children and grandchildren's sporting and other events and was usually the first to arrive, sometimes before the building was open. His loyalty to his family is unmatched and his love will endure. He was so proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren and took every opportunity to tell everyone about their triumphs. Throughout his life he loved to spend time with his family on the golf course, at Utah games, at Becky's parents ranch in Midway, Utah, at Hans' Cabin in Hebgen Lake Montana, on family vacations to California and Kauai, and backyard barbeques.
Blaine lived his life for his Savior and his family. He lived a life full of accomplishment and happiness. His legacy will live on in his eternal family and he will always be remembered for his kindness, humor, loyalty and love. He often said he was the richest man in the world because he had his family.
Blaine is preceded in death by his parents Douglas and Barbara Smith, in-laws Robert and Phyllis Sweeten, brother Barton Smith, brother in-law Robert Sweeten (Deyanne), and brother in-law Carl Faulkner. He is survived by his wife Becky Smith, his children David Smith (Karen), Sarah Chism (Matt), Scott Smith (Katy), Steven Smith (Jamie), Brian Smith (Tori), Brett Smith (Caitlin), 26 Grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren (with one on the way). He is also survived by his siblings Sandra Smith, Lillian Alldredge (Claron), sister-in-law Louise Smith, Lowell Smith (Lynne), Catherine Faulkner, Sherilynn Alba (Hector) and in-laws Toi Nielsen (Dennis), Heidi Sweeten, and Trace Sweeten.
The Smith family would like to thank all the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and doctors who worked countless hours to help Blaine during the last years of his life.
A viewing will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Mueller Park Stake Center at 1800 S. Mueller Park Road in Bountiful, Utah. The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 am, with a viewing preceding the services beginning at 9:30 am at the Mueller Park Stake Center.
Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary & Crematory YouTube channel and his obituary page at www.russonmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/deseretnews/name/blaine-smith-obituary?id=61713328
Kim Mosier
I was saddened to hear of Blaine's death. I grew up one block away from Blaine (nicknamed "Smitty" by Craig Martindale). I have many fond memories of that time, hanging out with Blaine and Craig and a few more of our Highland classmates who lived in the neighborhood. I'm not ashamed to say I was jealous of his athletic ability. Years later Blaine and I lived near each other in the Highland Park area, for a while I ran with him in the mornings, and we actually played together on a ward basketball team a couple years. Blaine was truly a great guy, who came from a great family, married a wonderful women, and they have a beautiful family. My sympathies are with Becky and their family.
On the lighter side, this is a photo of Blaine, me and another deceased classmate, Bob Pugmire on a field trip in second grade. For some reason our pictures ended up in the newspaper.
Rick Sutter
We know that those we love never truly leave us, even in death. They remain a part of our lives—in our thoughts, our memories, and the countless ways they have shaped who we are. Their love and friendship leave an indelible imprint on our hearts.
Blaine was one of our favorite friends from our Highland High days, and we will always cherish the memories, laughter, and friendship we shared with him. We find comfort in knowing that our lives were enriched and blessed by having known him.
With our deepest sympathy on the passing of Blaine.
Rick and Marilyn Sutter
W. Bryan George
Very sad to hear of the passing of Blaine. He was always a great friend, a leader and an excellent example. Through our many years of school together from kindergarten through college at the U he was positive, fun, smart, hard working and loving. His love for sports, where he always excelled, is well known. Also well known is how hard he practiced and worked, and the joy he obtained from fair participation in them. I am glad to know that he has passed that legacy and his love for his Savior on to his family. Dear Becky, please know of the love we all have for you and Blaine.
Greg Whiting
I was so sorry to hear of Blaine's passing. He was such an important part of Highland High's athletic programs. A star in both basketball and baseball. It certainly sounds like he had a wonderful life full of love and devotion with Becky. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Michael M. Dudley
Blaine and I were teammates...more than that, we were friends. I always knew I could count on Smitty. He excelled in basketball...I chose football. We both loved baseball.
He was a true and faithful friend who always put others before himself. For example, when Blaine and Becky settled in Highland Park, they became special friends to my aging parents. My mom and dad loved Blaine and Becky. Blaine treated them with kindness and respect. He was there for them when I was far away and his attention to my parents was always a source of comfort to me.
I haven't seen or talked to Smitty for years...my bad. Since I left SLC right after high school and have lived on the east coast for years, I have not been available for friendships to flourish with all my RAM friends...my badX2...but none of you has left my memory or my heart. Notice of Blaine's passing, and the many similar notices that are coming all too frequently now, pull my mind back to home, happiness, and Highland High.
God bless you, sweet Becky. May you and your family have joy in your lifetime memories, and gladness in your celestial future.
William R. Stringham
Condolences and love to Becky and the family. Blaine was always a positive influence for everyone around him. His athletic prowess delighted any of us who were Rams or Utes. Thank you for letting us follow the funeral online: it was very touching.
Peace to you all. Bill and Karen Stringham