Kevin Michael Smith, 35, of Helena, Montana passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 11, 2018 in the still hours of the early morning, surrounded by loved ones, after a lifelong struggle with Alport Syndrome, a degenerative kidney disease.
Kevin was born the sixth child to Tony and Carol Smith on May 23rd, 1983. He was born a charmer: sweet, loving, fearless, adventurous, and full of life. As the baby of the family he knew he was deeply loved and had a mother who would do anything for him. His family has rallied around him with their love and support throughout his life. Kevin equally held fierce loyalty and love for his family and never let any one of them leave nor ended a conversation without expressing his love and gratitude. He was a gentleman until the very end; he always held the door and offered his arm.
Kevin was gifted with physical strength and athletic ability. He thrived playing every sport available and was a gracious and good sport. He had a remarkable mind that never stopped creating. Kevin enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting. Some of his favorite memories were backpacking into the Beartooth Wilderness with his dad and brothers, and fishing in Alaska. Kevin was an avid scouter and worked hard to earn the highest rank of Eagle.
At age of eight, Kevin chose to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and maintained his faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, the purpose of life and the eternal nature of families, and would vehemently defend his faith.
At age of nine Kevin was diagnosed with Alport syndrome. This was the cause of Kevin’s hearing loss, requiring him to wear hearing aids the rest of his life. Kevin worked as an Assistant Manager at Rosetta Assisted Living and enjoyed his association with the residents. He showed such compassion and understanding and went above and beyond to ensure their happiness. At the age of twenty-four Kevin’s kidneys failed and he was forced to start dialysis. He endured great discomfort and pain over eleven years of dialysis, going three times a week for four hours a day. Those days were made easier by his amazing nurses that became more like family and made him feel genuinely cared for. Our entire family was blessed when Kevin met and fell in love with his beautiful wife Elena Anatolievna Egan-Klinkel. They were married on February 11, 2011 and welcomed their first child, Calvin Michael on August 9, 2011. Their second child, Lillian Eileen joined their family on March 31, 2013. With Calvin, his mini-me, and Lily, his little princess, their family was complete. Kevin loved being a dad and husband.
Using his creative mind and artistic ability, he could think of an idea and work out the complex mechanics and design in his mind and bring his ideas to life with his hands. An avid woodworker and craftsman, Kevin thoughtfully made many tokens of love for his family they will continue to treasure.
Kevin was preceded in death by his sister, Amy Eileen, his grandparents, Sam & Molly (Edith) Smith, Nelda, Lillith, and Nolan Tuck, aunt Carolyn Sangray, uncle Gene Martin, cousin Kirk Tuck, and uncle Fred Norton and cousin Larry Norton.
He is survived by his wife Elena, son Calvin, daughter Lillian, parents Tony and Carol Smith, sisters Melinda (Russell), Rebecca (Michael), brothers Eric (Megan) and Sam (Tiffanie), as well as eight nieces and ten nephews, eight aunts, ten uncles, and thirty-two cousins.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Viewing will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 16th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1610 East 6th Avenue. Burial will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the fellowship hall of the church.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday November 15, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Viewing
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Friday November 16, 2018
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 East 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 16, 2018
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 East 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Friday November 16, 2018
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday November 16, 2018
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 East 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday November 15, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Viewing
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Friday November 16, 2018
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 East 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 16, 2018
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 East 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Friday November 16, 2018
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday November 16, 2018
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 East 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Sherri Anderson (Staats) says
Tony, Carol and all the Smith Family,
I am so deeply saddened by the passing of your wonder son, brother, uncle husband and father Kevin. I know he was loved very much by all and will be missed dearly. He is now resting in peace with our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My heartfelt love and prayers go with all of you at this time.
Julie K. Strong-Bethke says
Elena and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you a ton of hugs and prayers.
Renatta Banning says
Tony and Carol, we are thinking of your family. Love Renatta, Ryan and Owen.
Seth Delanoy says
Good friend. Love you Kevin. Big hugs. Sorry for your loss .
Laurie House says
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I met Kevin at Rosetta, I enjoyed working with him. We shared many laughs, I will treasure those memories always.
Angie (Gustine) Ford says
So sorry to hear about Kevin’s passing. Kevin was always a great friend to me. He will be missed. Praying for comfort for you all during this difficult time.
Richard Norine says
My deepest sympathy on your loss 💐
Pat and Cathy Kukes says
Our prayers and thoughts to you and your family Tony.
Wilda and Bill McGraw says
Tony and Carol…our deepest sympathy as you remember and celebrate Kevin. We are so sorry for your loss.
DENNIS L. HOUSE says
My condolences to the family; I”m so sorry for you loss.
Meghan says
My deepest sympathy to Kevin’s family. Words cannot express the pain we feel when we lose our loved ones to death. The promise God gives us in Isaiah 25:8 can bring us much comfort as it promises that God will “swallow up death forever and wipe tears from all faces”. Imagine a time when death will be gone. (Revelation 21:4) We are promised that we will be with our loved ones again by means of a resurrection, right here on earth. (John 5:28,29) Until that time is fulfilled, keep close to your hearts all the wonderful memories of time spent together with Judith. May the “God of All Comfort” be with you in this time of sadness and in the times ahead. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Dawn says
My deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. I hope the words at Rev.21:4 bring you comfort. It says: “God will wipe out every tear from their eyes,and death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marsha Alsburys says
Dear Smith family,
I was so sorry to hear of Kevin ‘s passing. He certainly loved his family and it was obvious that you all loved him. My heart aches for Elena, Cal and Lily. Keep his memory alive and always take comfort in the knowledge of the joy and happiness you brought to Kevin ‘s life.
Jane Dodge says
Dear Tony and Carol,
I was so sorry to read of the passing of Kevin: I remember him as such a wonderful light in your family. Our thoughts and prayers for all the family as you find comfort in the wonderful memories. Love the Dodge family (Dick, Jane, Becky and Elizabeth)
Beth Murphy says
Dear Tony and Carol, and the extended Smith Family,
I know Kevin is with God, and at peace. We are charged with living on, remembering him with Love. Your family is an inspiration to many in Helena, myself included. My prayers are with you in your loss.
Love Beth Murphy