Michael Vaun Smith

Our beloved Michael “Mike” Vaun Smith passed away unexpectedly on July 19, 2026.

Mike was a devoted father, a loving son and brother, a proud uncle, and a loyal friend. He was also a nature boy, a music enthusiast, a philosopher, a computer wizard, and a professional tangent-taker. Mike deeply appreciated and sought to protect all living things, often rescuing insects and snakes (much to his mother’s dismay) as well as injured animals and other creatures in need. More than anything, Mike was unapologetically himself—a rare gift that made life richer, more interesting, and often a lot more fun for the people around him.

Mike was born on November 19, 1972, to Nelda Rae Jensen and Nuel Vaun Smith. He was the fourth of five children. Growing up with three older sisters and one younger sister taught him patience—or at least gave him plenty of opportunities to practice it. His sisters drove him crazy, and he'd be the first to tell you so. But beneath the teasing and exasperation was a fierce and unwavering love for each of them. Later in life, Mike also gained 12 bonus Gardner siblings.

Of all the roles Mike played in his life, none mattered more to him than being Benjamin’s dad. Ben was his whole world. Mike's happiest moments were spent outdoors with his son, especially skiing, exploring, and simply being together. If you wanted to know what brought Mike the most joy, the answer was always easy: time with Benjamin.

Mike was wicked smart. Long before computers became part of everyone's daily life, he was fascinated by them. He could fix almost anything electronic, though rarely without a fair amount of complaining, foot-dragging, and colorful commentary along the way. Family members learned that asking Mike for tech support often came with a lecture, a tangent, and, eventually, a solution.

Before serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Seoul, South Korea from 1992 – 1994, Mike survived a serious car accident that helped shape the course of his life. Those who knew him understood that he was forged in fire more than once. His mission became another forge; one that transformed him, broadened his view of the world, deepened his compassion, and sparked a lifelong appreciation for all things spicy, unusual, and outside his comfort zone.

Mike was a legendary uncle and cousin. He was the fun one. The one who was always up for an adventure, always ready to introduce you to great music, and always willing to help when you needed him. Whether it was taking a spontaneous trip, burning the perfect playlist, sharing a new idea, or making everyone laugh, Mike showed up in ways that made life more interesting.

Mike loved to sing. He loved contra dancing. He loved conversations that started in one place and somehow ended somewhere entirely unexpected. In fact, Mike could absolutely talk your ear off. He had the gift of gab and could take the scenic route through almost any topic. Sometimes he drove people crazy because his story would go on so many side trips, but he always ended up back on track (whether you made the whole journey with him or got lost on the way). If you listened long enough, you'd usually discover that there was wisdom, curiosity, humor, and a genuine desire to connect at the heart of it all.

In the last several years of his life, Mike made a conscious choice to live as authentically as he could. He sought joy wherever he could find it: in dancing, skiing, friendship, spirituality, learning, adventure, and meaningful connection. He never stopped searching, growing, questioning, and becoming. He worked hard to build a life that felt honest and true to who he was. Mike also continued to love deeply. He loved imperfectly, passionately, and unapologetically. And perhaps one of his greatest gifts was that the people around him never had to wonder whether he cared. He made sure they knew.

Mike is survived by his beautiful boy, Benjamin; his mom, Nelda Rae Gardner; his four sisters: Shauna Spicer (Pete), Suzanne Yorgensen (Doug), Stacie Smith, and Stefanie Saltern (Jerry); his niece and 4 nephews; his 12 bonus siblings; and a large circle of extended family and friends whose lives are richer, funnier, and more meaningful because of him. Mike was preceded in death by his dad, Nuel Vaun Smith and his grandparents Aloy and Dell Jensen and Rowetta Hale Kelly.

The world feels a little quieter without Mike in it. But somewhere, we like to think he's finding the best music, starting an unexpectedly long conversation, convincing someone to take a crazy culinary escapade (the spicier, the better), and reminding us all to embrace life with as much curiosity and fervor as possible.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday July 27th at the Firth Stake Center: 823 N 675 E, Basalt Idaho. The family will receive friends Monday morning from 9:30 till 10:45am at the Stake Center. Burial will be in the Firth Cemetery under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.

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