Joel's Dad's Birthday memories

November 8th is Joel's dad's birthday.  It's a hard day for Joel so he does what he can to remember the good things.  Today he asked friends and family to write a favorite memory about Joel Smith. 

Paul Asay Camping when I was a scout, he could take on the entire troop and throw us out the door into a snowbank with a flick of his wrist!!! Good times!!

Janet Mollenbrink Missing my big brother too Patrick Joel . . . .probably some of my favorite memories were riding horses bareback and no bridles in the coral and chasing each other, or out in the hayfield playing cowboys and Indians. Being that I was younger I was a bit gullible, the brothers would shoot and say i got you and i would drop off my horse to the ground. Then i would say i got you and they would say you missed. Sheesh!!! Cattle roundup out in Red Basin and up on the Big Horn were always some of our greatest adventures. Oh and the so memorable hunting camp adventures were some of the best times I️ have ever had with both brothers. Yup, sure do mess that boy . . . . .love him so much!!!!

Cheryl Wilson Jolley After your dad passed away, Bruce took you to the fire hall to watch a big game between Denver and Green Bay. I had gotten an Elway jersey (traitor in my house haha) and was told how much you would love it. You were SO excited to get that jersey 

Hyrum-Tiana Johnson He helped me site in my first Rifle. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing and didn’t really have any adult to show me how. He took me by the hand and made me feel like one of his own. Your dad was a special man.

Ben Smith Oh, so many memories but one of my favorites is getting a loaf of bead and picking fresh tomatoes out of the garden and sitting around laughing while we ate tomato sandwiches. He loved the simple things of life! I sure love and miss him!! Love you too PJ!

Helen Kay Grant He loved everyone! He went on a pack trip with us when we took the scouts. He was always so fun! He was such a wonderful man! You are like him in many ways.

Robyn Sessions Smith Awww...love all these memories! I miss everything about him. Even the things that bugged me.  he did love everyone and he loved you and jaime the most. He was everyone's best friend and there was never a dull moment at our house. Paul I always worried about him and Steve Bassett taking the scouts out...cause he acted just like a 12 year old.  those times with the scouts were always some of his favorite memories.  Cheryl thanks for your memory. Pat was so excited to have that jersey and I still have it! Pat, your dad was very proud to be your dad. He loved spending time with you. And I know he is close and watches over us all

Randy Smith I noticed it was his birthday and wanted to touch base with you yesterday, but didn't get it done....I just remember how excited he was - like a kid in a candy store - when you came along! He couldn't wait to take you fishing! His family was everything to him! Hunting camp on the Bighorns - he was always playing a joke. His laugh! Oh, I miss his laugh! Playing basketball...he could shoot from anywhere in the gym. We always said that his range began when he crossed the half court line. That crazy form - shooting the ball clear behind his head. Love him so! And love you! I know how proud he is of you!

Myrna Smith Hammer He was a goofball and made every occasion fun! Sure miss him!

Shelly Walker Schultz I remember going on a temple trip over to Idaho Falls . In the Park he would slow down and/or pull over, roll down his window and stick his arm out and point to something that was not there! we would laugh and laugh and laugh as other cars would pullover behind us get out and start looking for something awesome. Then he would take off. he always was so much fun!

Dean Tippetts Hours and hours and hours of basketball! Loved every minute of it with Joel. Loved having you for neighbors, and loved being your home teacher. Mostly loved having you as one of my scouts. (Too many of those stories to tell) Happy birthday Joel!!

Francie Weekes Joel was always one of my favorite classmates. He was always smiling and we had a great time when he was around. I remember in third grade he was asked a question about his family. He knew his pioneer heritage and was proud of it. As we got older and more confident we could give each other friendship hugs! I do miss those hugs. We sure miss our loved ones and think of them everyday. This month it will be 17 years since Matt died. Patrick, thank you for being his friend.

Tana Smith Antoine One time we went over to Byron to watch a football game that Ben was coaching. Uncle Joel was on the inside of the fence watching the game. He reached over the fence, picked me up and lifted me over the fence like I weighed nothing. In my mind, he was undoubtedly the strongest man on earth! I remember even telling my friends about how strong my uncle was. Love you all.           

Georgette Lewis I remember the exciting day they brought you home-we were outside waiting for the car to come up the hill! Everyone was so happy-

Mare Dickson Oh definitely his hugs!

Craig Lundberg One night one of my friends and I were playing hoops in the church gym. Your dad and his buddy Dave Winterholler asked if they could join us. I think we ended up playing 2 on 2 for the better part of 3 hours. It was so much fun. I always loved the fact that he was still in love with the game of basketball and just loved to compete and play. That night is still one of my fondest memories playing basketball. It was just a fun time.

Jean Jones Marcus He always had something a smile and a kind word for everyone. I knew him as a teenager then when I move to Lovell I got to see him again. The one thing I can say is just home way to soon. I miss him too.

Michelle Thompson One of the nicest guys ever. I️ used to love watching him play church ball with my dad. I️ remember having an early morning breakfast at your house on a Saturday and he was right there with your mom cooking and making us girls laugh.

Wayne Hudspeth His bears hugs

Ella Pratt Mayes He was a great bishop! You knew that you could come to him with any problem and would not be judged at all, only loved unconditionally. He loved the game of basketball. I was there the night he passed and was still amazed by his skills on the court. Great man! He and my dad are probably hooping it up now or two of the greatest missionaries ever!!

Vicki Croft I miss that guy too. What a great man.  He sure loved his family. Happy birthday Joel

Cameron Smith I remember playing basketball with you and him in your front yard with your mini hoop that was part of your changing game table for hours!

Jaime Rae Luna Love reading all these awesome memories of my daddy! He was and is loved by so many. My heart aches every day for him. Just to get one more kiss and bear hug from him or to hear him say that I'm doing an ok job in life and with my family. I miss his trumpet noise songs he would make. I miss watching him play his love...basketball. I miss watching him comfort our mom in tough times and telling her how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. I miss watching him play and wrestle with you my brother and calling you PJ. I miss the last minute hunting and fishing excursions. Most of all I miss hearing his voice...he had the most beautiful singing voice! Patrick I'm so glad that you sing just like him. I know he is in a better place and I hope that every year that passes it will get better...the ache will be less but it's not. I love you so much Patrick Joel!