Wendell Smoot 1921 ~ 2011
Wendell M. Smoot Jr., our husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away surrounded by family at age 90 on July 3rd, 2011 after a long and productive life of service and accomplishment.Wendell was born Januray 15, 1921 in Salt Lake City to Wendell M. Smoot and Rebecca Clawson Smoot. He attended Roosevelt Junior High and East High School where he was active in student government and excelled athletically in track and football. He furthered his education at the University of Utah, where he joined Sigma Chi fraternity, was business manager of the Chronicle and served as captain of the ROTC. He married his college sweetheart Barbara Davis on June 24, 1942, later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple, and went directly in the Army as a commissioned officer in the 44th Infantry during World War II. While leading his artillery unit in France after D-Day, he was seriously wounded, spent a year in rehabilitation and received both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart decorations. Blessed with abundant energy and leadership skill, he began a highly successful career after the war with JA Hogle & Co brokerage firm. He was an allied member of the New York Stock Exchange at age 40 and became a general partner in Hogle and later with Goodbody & Co. In 1971, he was founder and chairman of the investment counseling and money management firm of Smoot Knoche, which later became Smoot Miller Cheney & Co. The firm was recognized as one of the outstanding investment companies in the western United States. An active nad devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served faithfully in many callings - as a Bishop's counselor, high councilor in the Monument Park Stake, Bishop of the Monument Park 12th Ward and three times fulfilled a non-proselytizing mission with his wife. In 1976-80, he served as financial chairman of the Church's Sesquicentennial celebration. In 1984, after a year as vice-president, he became President of the Mormon Tablernacle Choir. For 17 years he led this wondeful organization in their many world-wide tours, recordings, appearances and activities. He was blessed to work alongside the finest musicians in the Church. He often expressed his great love for the music and the dedicated service of choir members and loyal administrative staff. For him, it was a calling of a lifetime. Wendell participated actively in community and charitable organizations. Scouting was one of his particular interests for over 70 years. In 1969-70, he was President of the Great Salt Lake Council of Boy Scouts where he received Scouting's Silver Beaver award. He served as well in Rotary, the United Way and as Chairman of the Pioneer Memorial Theater Advisory Board. He was a member of the Salt Lake Country Club, the Bonneville Knife and Fork dinner group, the Timpanogos Club and Dinner Set. He was recognized in 1989 with the U of U Emeritus Club Merit of Honor Award. A man of integrity and sound judgement, he knew what mattered most and lived by his values. He knew how to work hard but he also knew how to play. An avid outdoorsman, he spent many hours along with his wife and family at their summer home on the North Fork of the Snake River in Island Park, Idaho. He was never happier than in hip waders walking the sandy shores with fly rod in hand and more than a few fish in his basket. With an exceptional mind for details, he planned and organized family vacations with the same efficiency that he used to take 600 members and guests of the Tabernacle Choir around the world. His enthusiasm for travel was infectious, even if it meant staying in tents on an African safari. There was always another place he wanted to see. A new memory he wanted to make and a wide circle of friends he wanted to enjoy. He was blessed with singular opportunities and he leaves a matchless legacy for his family. He is survived by his wife Barbara and five children: Dr. Wendell M. Smoot III (Monetta) of San Diego; Margaret Smoot; Dr. David J. Smoot; Dr. John D. Smoot of San Diego (Jan); and Mary S. Mather (Jeff) of St. George; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his sister, Rebecca S. Marriott and a brother, Stanley C. Smoot. A viewing will be held Friday evening, July 8th, at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary (2350 East 1300 South) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 9th at 12:00 noon, at the Monument Park 17th Ward, 2795 East Crestview Drive (1100 South). Friends may visit with the family prior to the services from 10:30 to 11:30. Burial in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. God be with you, Dad, till we meet again. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Great Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America, 525 South Foothill Boulevard, is suggested. Online condolences at www.larkincares.com