Morse Kay Smith

Mick Smith, 94, passed peacefully at home on Monday, September 21, 2026. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Anne Christensen; his brother, Clayton "Chick" Smith (Jennie); and his sister, Catherine Evans (Larry).

Mick was the son of Lyle and E.A. "Ernie" Brookhart. He married Jo Anne Christensen on September 27, 1958. Together, they built a loving family and a life centered on hard work, service, adventure, and their children.

He is survived by his children, Lori (Mark) D'Alba, Merrill (Patty) Smith, Clay (Jackie) Smith, Ryan (Lezli) Smith, Katie (Alex) Stone, Diane (Randy) Costanza, and Cole (Kerry) Smith; 22 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Mick learned the value of hard work from an early age. His first job began when he was in the first grade, selling advertising pictures for his stepfather. As a young man, he worked throughout Davis County, weeding onions, picking cantaloupe and watermelons, baling hay, and delivering it. As a teenager, he worked for Smith Milling, delivering and stacking lump coal. At just 16 years old, he began driving a semi to Los Angeles to haul bone meal and blood meal back to Utah.

Mick put himself through college while working for Utah Sand & Gravel, driving a ready-mix truck during the summers and cleaning conveyor belts after school during the winters. He earned a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Utah. After working for Sperry Engineering, he began his long career as a systems analyst at Hercules, where he eventually retired at age 51.

A year after graduating from high school, Mick joined the National Guard and served for 17 years, including two periods of active duty at Fort Belvoir. He was especially proud of his time with the military as Company C commander. Mick was in Company C 115th engineering battalion. Company C was the first engineer line company to receive a superior rating in a federal inspection in the history of the state of Utah; this company also produced more officers than any line company in the state since 1948. 

While working at Hercules, he and his brother Chick founded Powered Products, a small-engine sales and repair business. Mick built the company's building, and the brothers operated the business for approximately 10 years before selling it. 

Mick loved operating heavy equipment and spent nearly 20 years building roads and completing projects in the mountains. He worked with motor graders, a backhoe, and a bulldozer, often joking that they were his "big-boy toys." During the Flood of '83, he worked countless hours using his equipment to help clear roads of mud and debris and serve those in need.

Mick joined the Bountiful City Jeep Posse as a young adult and remained an active member for the rest of his life. He served as commander 12 times and participated in numerous search-and-rescue efforts throughout the Wasatch Front. He taught hunter safety, helped young people learn to safely use and respect firearms, and enjoyed countless trips throughout Utah and the Southwest with other Posse families.

Near Echo, Utah, Mick and his children built a small cabin and other buildings that became a refuge and playground for his children, grandchildren, friends, and many others. The property served as a gathering place for hunting, hiking, reunions, youth camps, and family get-togethers. Through years of working side by side, the family strengthened its bonds and created memories that will last for generations.

Mick will be remembered for his hard work, ingenuity, humor, generosity, adventurous spirit, and devotion to his family. He was happiest building something, helping someone, exploring the outdoors, or surrounded by the people he loved. His greatest legacy is not only what he built with his hands, but the family, friendships, and memories he built along the way. The love he gave and the example he set will continue through every generation.

The family extends its deepest thanks and gratitude to all who cared for Mick during the past five years, including Alyssa and Aaron Black, Christopher and Anastacha Smith, Josh and Nicole Evans, Grace Collier and Spencer Embleton, Stella Faasisila and Popi Tuavao, and the team from Inspiration Home Health and Hospice-especially Ashley and Juan.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be held from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Bountiful City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary and Crematory YouTube Channel and on this obituary page. See YouTube video below.