02/04/1968 - 01/05/2025
Service Date: 01/16/2025
Service Time: 2-5:00 pm
Service Location: Gilbert Memorial Park 2100 E Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ

Russell Kirk Smith was born on a cold Sunday morning of February 4, 1968 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Reno, Nevada as the 1st child of Gregory Kirk Smith & Darlene Diane Hills Smith. Russell was 6 weeks premature & weighed 5 pounds, 1 ounce & was 19 1/4 inches long. He spent 2 weeks in the hospital where he dropped down to 4 pounds. Russell would grow to be 6.1 feet in adulthood.

Russell’s 1st 10 years of life were in Reno; then the family purchased South Jetty Campground in Florence, Oregon where Russell would do a security check every night on his motorcycle. This was the beginning of his love of motorcycles. The Smith family moved to Aloha, Oregon where they lived on Cooper Mountain & where Russell would learn to take care of Jim, the old horse that came with the house. In 1983, the Smith’s moved to Tempe, Arizona & Russell attended Corona del Sol High School & was in the 1986 Class. After graduation, Russell worked at Dillard’s Warehouse; moved to Fair Oaks, California for a year; & then returned to Arizona, where he started working at Professional Salon Systems where he rose thru the ranks to Pro Shop manager & then to outside sales.

In 1996, Russell went back to school at Arizona Conservatory of Music & became a Sound Engineer. But his employment sent him  into the telecommunications field starting as a Technician at Access Communications & ending as a Senior Solution Architect at Palo Alto Technology with several companies in between due to corporate buyouts. Russell was a technology guru who loved all of the latest gadgets & who could fix, talk, install, etc. about any computer/data/communication/electronic field.

The greatest joy in Russell’s life was his son, Daylan Robert Smith, who was the apple of his dad’s eyes. Russell was the biggest supporter of Daylan’s football in youth leagues & at Skyline High School; chaperoning field trips; attending all school events, etc… Then the two of them moved into motorcycles-matching ones of course.

Russell loved books, movies, history, politics, 80’s music (especially Adam Ant), decorating his home & yard where the neighbors loved  the Halloween & Christmas decorations; organizing his garage & massive tool collection; remodeling his mom’s or his house & working on cars & motorcycles, which  Russell would complete at a 1000% as a 100%;  wasn’t good enough. His workmanship was excellent. Having a conversation with Russell was so enjoyable as he was so informed on so many subjects.

Russell was the most caring son to his mom; brother to his 3 younger sisters; uncle to his numerous nieces & nephews; &  best dad to his 4 legged best friend “Cleo”, who he adored & pampered. Russell passed away in his sleep, due to several medical issues,  on Sunday, January 5, 2025. He is preceded in death by his dad, Gregory K. Smith; his sister, Christine K. Smith; & his nephew, Brice R. S. Smith, along with his aunt, uncles, & grandparents. He is survived by his son, Daylan R.  Smith; his mother, Darlene D. Smith; his sisters: Kimberly K. Wing & Denise D. Smith; his beloved sweetheart canine, “Miss Cleo”; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunt, & uncle. The world was a better place because Russell had lived on it…

Condolences

  • Such beautiful memories of this fine man. May God lavish you in His loving arms and comfort all of your hearts. You are in my prayers. Much love.

  • Kim Gerodimos/Marx

    I was so saddened when I read about Russell’s passing
    I was Daylan’s fifth grade teacher. Russell was an amazing parent. He always volunteered. He was always there to support his son. . We remained friends on Facebook all through the years and communicated that way. I got to see Daylan grow up through his posts. You could tell how much he loved his son. He’ll be greatly missed. I’m so sorry for your loss.????

  • Bart Cheryl Bruckmancbruckmcl@

    Russell was very kind and had a generous nature. He was happiest watching Daylan.

  • Rest in peace Russell, you were truly a very nice and kind man and I am honored to have known you. I wish you the best up there Russell.

  • Russell was my Sales Engineers on a at Access and McLeodUSA. He was a very kind soul. He will be missed. My thoughts are with your family during this tough time.

  • Christopher Young (Coach Cowboy)

    I am so sorry to hear this news. I helped coached Daylan in the pee wee football Wolfpack family, and as the memorial states, Russell was at every game and practice to support his Son. Sincerely condolences to Daylan and the rest of Russell’s family.

  • Russell was a great guy and an outstanding father. You will be missed my friend!

  • I worked with Russell at XO Communications, he was a beacon of kindness, patience, and intelligence. His thoughtful and considerate nature touched the lives of many of us, leaving a lasting impression. Although I lost contact with him a few years back, the memories of his remarkable character and the positive impact he had on our team will always remain with me.

    During this difficult time, let us remember and honor Russell for the wonderful person he was. May we find comfort in the memories we shared with him and the knowledge that his spirit will live on in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
    God bless you Russell.
    Cindy

  • Russell was a great man! He loved his son, Daylan more than words could express. He was extremely kind and patient. He was someone to emulate and he will be greatly missed. The world was a better place because Russell was in it.

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