Douglas Browning Smith 1947-2011
For those who don't know, Shaun's dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in May 2011--just days after Shaun's graduation, and days before he moved to KC to start his new job. Doug was sick for some time before that with various other things (aka: diabetes, eye problems, etc) that took the blame for most of the symptoms he was showing. It wasn't until he was really, really sick that they decided to do more tests and found the cancer.
We had 7 more months with Doug as he fought his hardest in the horrific battle--undergoing chemo and other treatments, surgery's and tests to prolong his life as much as possible--hoping for a better outcome. The doctor's were amazed because they didn't expect him to live much more that a few weeks after the diagnosis, let along 7 months. But he still had things to do here on earth, and his stubbornness wouldn't let him give up hope or stop fighting until those things were done.
When Thanksgiving came we knew he didn't have much time left. We were in Manhattan for most of the next month and a half so we could spend as much time with him as possible before he passed. Many of Doug's family members and all of his children and their families were able to come into town during the next weeks to see him one last time, knowing he was near the end. It was a difficult experience, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I learned so much from Doug during the few short years I knew him on this Earth, and continue to learn from his family and all others who knew him about the kind of man he was.
I have never felt the spirit so strong as I did in Doug and Joan's home during those weeks leading to his demise. I know without a doubt that there were many family members from the other side present to offer comfort for each of us. I often find myself yearning for that feeling again, and try to live my life better so that I may have even a glimpse of that feeling in my own home.
Doug's last goal was to make it to Christmas, and he did. In spite of the situation we were all able to have a good Christmas. One filled with love, stories and laughter because we knew that Doug would have wanted it that way. Only a family that has the true gospel in their lives would be able to understand how we could be so happy at such a time as this. It really opened my eyes to the true meaning of Christmas, and it really strengthened my testimony of the importance of Family and the Atonement. Christmas's to come will be hard without Doug, as will each day, but I know that I will never look at this special holiday in the same way. I will focus more on the true meaning and the love of family and friends rather than gifts.
He passed away at 4:40 the next morning surrounded by his children and his best friend, Joan.
"Yesterday we said 'goodbye for now' to one of the most amazing men I have ever known. All week, since learning of his death, I have been perplexed as to how to sum up the life of such a great man. Do you list everything he has been a part of? Do you tell of all the good deeds he has done? How do you sum up a life so well lived in just a few words and be able to share that with people so they know the magnitude of his life? It would be near impossible to list all of his good deeds and accomplishments.
It wasn’t until we were in the middle of his funeral service that I came to understand. Each one of his children stood to speak of their father. To tell of the lessons that he taught them. To tell of the love that he showed them. To speak of the impact he had on the world around him. But these were not the most telling evidences of the impact he had. His impact was shown in the poise and grace of his children, in their strong testimony of the strength of family and love and eternity. His spirit and physical body may have been separated, but he has not left this earth. He lives on in his children who carry on his legacy, who love their children as he loved his children, who carry on the tradition of strong families, and live a life following the example of their father.
I don’t understand why he is gone at such a young age. Nobody does. But the purpose of his life is no mystery. He was here to love people, and show others how to love. He was here to serve others, and show others how to serve. He was here to be an example, and show others how to be an example. He was here to follow our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to show others to do the same. Such a humble, gentle soul, and yet, his life touched the lives of countless others...
Rest peacefully knowing that your legacy lives on, not only in your biological children, but in all of your 'kids' and in all who had the honor and privilege of knowing you. Douglas B. Smith 1947-2011"
I am so blessed to be married to a man who has a father like Doug to look up to as his hero, his friend, and the best example of what a man, husband and father should be. It is hard knowing that our children will not get to know Doug on this earth, but it comforts me to know that he is and always will be watching over them. I know he will always be with us--smiling his biggest smile, and wrapping his arms around each of us when we need comforting. He is with our Father, and helping in His works beyond the vail. I know we all look forward to the time when we will see him again. We love you Doug, and always will. Thank you for everything!
