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Andrew Smith Obituary
1985 ~ 2020
On Friday, September 18th, 2020, Andrew Douglas Smith passed away unexpectedly at age 35.
He joined us on May 29th, 1985, bringing lasting joy to both his mother and father, Ginger and Doug Smith. As their first child, Andrew was utterly adored, showing an aptitude for reading and a love for science, mullets and wolf shirts. As he grew, his affinity with mullets happily shifted to admiring others rather than sporting his own. But his proclivity for science and wolf shirts remained fierce. To these, he added a marvelous talent for photography and painting. He graduated from Cornell College in 2009 with a degree in Technical Theater; Having found his calling, Andrew enjoyed an accomplished career in the field, working with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Pioneer Memorial Theater Company.
Andrew's sense of humor was truly infectious; to say it was memorable would certainly be a colossal understatement. His parents imbued in him an intense love of family; that, combined with his warm, gracious nature, resulted in some of Andrew's most meaningful friendships. He was enchanted by his beautiful wife, Samantha, a superb comedic match for Andrew's inimitable wit. To celebrate their deep love, they joined their hearts in marriage on June 10th, 2017. Together, they raised their adored pup pack: Oz, Luke and Henry. Andrew teemed with a passion for outdoor adventures, and he shared that passion with the people he felt most deeply connected to. His time spent in Temagami, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with extended family, and exploring Yellowstone with Sam were some of the most cherished moments of his enduring wanderlust. He was kind, funny and generous to a fault; any friend of Andrew's understands what a unique privilege and gift he was.
Andrew is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia "Ginger" Soper Smith, his grandparents, 'Nanny' & 'Bopop' Mary Y. & Dr. Hunter A. Soper, along with Dr. Harold F. Smith, and Andrew's fur brother, Vega. He leaves behind his beloved wife Samantha Ritter, his canine kids: Oz, Luke and Henry, his father, Dr. Douglas L. Smith, brother Hunter A. Smith, along with many other family, friends and loved ones. There will be a private memorial service held Saturday, September 26th, 2020. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Andrew's name to a nature conservancy of your choosing or your favorite National Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Smith
Harn Soper
October 1, 2020
Andrew’s smile speaks to his grace, wit and loving nature. With his memory, his smile picks me up. A blessing.
Juan Ontiveros
September 30, 2020
I am so sad to hear this. But he guided us through some awesome caves in Oregon, introduced me to Bollywood movies and orchestra covers of popular songs. He also made a mean margarita. My biggest condolences to everybody that was close to him.
J. I. Trease
September 29, 2020
A few months ago I asked Andrew to assist me with a high school assignment I was working on by showing me what his job responsibilities were at the Pioneer Theatre. Andrew took time out of his busy schedule to help me even though he and I had never met and he did not really know me. I’ve been interested in a career in Theatre Tech and talking to Andrew and seeing one of the amazing stages he helped build for a play at the Pioneer Theatre was a memorable afternoon. I left our meeting impressed by his talent, creativity, and commitment to the theatre. The world has lost a wonderful human being.
Mitchell Orben
September 29, 2020
A hard worker and a great guy. He made the summer 2007 season at Utah Shakes one I will never forget. During a day off he Invited me on one of the best hikes I have ever been on in my life. A fantastic memory I will have for the rest of my life.
Philip Waidmann
September 29, 2020
Sorry to hear about the passing of Andrew. He had a good life. I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts.
SUSAN B GOODRICH
September 29, 2020
Our family has known Andrew since Doug and Ginger first brought him home. I can still remember them bringing him to choir practice when he was only a few weeks old. Our son used to babysit for Andrew and Hunter. We love the whole family and are so sorry for their loss of a great young man.
Rachel Uber Batson
September 29, 2020
I am so terribly sorry. Love to all who love him.
Sean Ewers
September 28, 2020
Legit like no other. We shared a bond through music almost immediately. I miss him a lot.
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