My father was a very kind, thoughtful, caring, religious man with a great love for the Lord, Jesus Christ, and for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints and for his immediate family. as well as the families of his brothers and sisters and ancestors. I was his eldest child. He and my mother, Irene Stewart Smith, had 6 children.

Our father would call us together daily for family prayer in the morning and once a week for Family Home Evening where often we would learn about one of our ancestors. We would read stories about them and learn about their lives, their love of Jesus and their love, service and sacrifices for one another in their families and for others.

I remember Dad would kindly help me with my homework. I especially remember his visits with me as he would drive me to Hillside Jr High school and his kindness and his encouragement in my studies.

I also remember when he would come to BYU to visit with his blind clients for his work at the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind in SLC that he would ask me for a schedule of my classes so that he could find me and visit with me. I also was glad to see my father as I knew he loved me and thought it was very thoughtful and kind of him to take time from his busy life to find me and visit with me. It made me feel so loved. I also remember that when I was about 12 years old he had me work during the summer with one of his blind clients who ran the Souvenir Shop in the State Capitol Building. That was my first experience with paid employment, and I had the kind direction and instruction of my father before beginning work there and also as he drove me to work there every morning.

My father was the oldest child of Hyrum Smith and June Bushman Smith. He told me the story of when both Hyrum and June went to Chiropractic School back east and they took their three children that they had at that time which included by father, Marvin, their daughter, Dorothy, and their baby, Oliver with them. Dad was the oldest and he and Dorothy about ages 4 and 2 would push baby Oliver, around the campus back east....I think it was in Dayton, Ohio, while both their parents were attending classes.

Then after Grandpa Hyrum and Grandma June graduated they moved to Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. In those days they called husbands and fathers on missions for 6 months leaving their wife's to make a living and care for the children. I remember a story about Grandma June as she took over Grandpa Hyrum's chiropractor practice while he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.

As I recall it....a very big and large man came in to receive a chiropractic help as he had hurt his back and was in severe pain. Grandma June was a petite 5 feet tall. She prayed earnestly for assistance from God so she would be able to help the man with his great pain. She had faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and using all her strength and knowledge and then depending upon the Lord, she was able to help that man so that he was relieved of his pain.

My father had great faith as did his parents and grandparents and great-grandparents before him. He passed on that great heritage of faith to me for which I give him great gratitude and appreciation.