Barth Leroy Smith November 20, 1939 - August 20, 2021

How can we commit to print the life of one who knew that actions always speak louder than words?  Barth Leroy Smith lived in such a way that his actions always conveyed more than mere words can tell. He passed away on August 20, 2021, from complications of the Covid virus.

Barth was born on November 20, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the fifth of eight children born to George Robert Smith and Ina Marrilla Carson Smith.  At an early age he moved to Vineyard, then later to Provo, Utah.

Upon completing his education at Provo High School, Barth enlisted in the U.S. Marines and proudly served with honor and distinction. His superiors recognized him as a solid and dependable leader and he was proud of his recognition as an expert marksman. His service in the Marines took him around the world to Okinawa and the Philippines. Upon completing his military service, he returned to Provo where he resumed dating the love of his life, Ivy Dalene Mayne. They were married on August 14, 1959. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple for time and eternity. They enjoyed 49 wonderful years of marriage, until Dalene’s passing on November 7, 2008. To this union, four children were born: Dennis, Sharlene, Craig and Michelle.

One measure of the success of marriage is found in the desire to marry again, with the passing of a spouse. Dad found so much joy in marriage that he decided to marry again when he fell in love with Carma Mecham. Carma had also recently suffered the loss of her husband and eternal companion, and the two of them connected and understood each other. They proved to be perfect for each other and their eight years together is simply not enough! Carma has been such an amazing blessing for Dad! Their marriage has been yet another tender mercy from a loving Heavenly Father.

Barth was a skilled mechanic. He also certified as a master technician for refrigeration and vending machines – becoming one of the first master techs in the Intermountain West.  He worked for years for Hansen Candy Company, eventually becoming part owner of Hansen Vending Machines. The skills he mastered saved the family countless expense over the years, as dad could fix just about anything!

The time he spent fixing broken cars, toys and appliances offered valuable time with the kids as he would always have one of us “help” him. It would have likely been quicker and easier to do the job himself, but he was more devoted to raising children than repairing cars. He always had time to spend with his children. The words: ”I’m too busy” never crossed his lips.

Over the years he devoted countless hours to serving in church callings, coaching Little League, Scouting and Woodbadge.  In later years, he loved serving as an ordinance worker in the Provo and Payson Temples. His most important role, as a husband and father, was always paramount.

Family always came first, and any “spare” time he had was always spent with us.  Every summer was filled with wonderful family vacations. When it was too cold to camp in the mountains, we camped in the desert.  He instilled in each of us a love for nature and God’s divine creation.  We drew closer as a family because of all the time spent together on amazing hunting, fishing and camping trips.  Dad and Mom taught us all to love and revere all of God’s creations.

Dad taught us to value the right things: to value work, to value being frugal, to value love; and above all, to value God. Dad pushed himself to excel in all that he did, and he worked to instill these values in his children.  The only fear Dad ever had was the fear of losing one of us. He was the perfect provider and protector.

Dad was stubborn in the most wonderful ways! He never gave up on a challenge. Life sometimes gave him challenges … like breaking ribs while catching a fly ball that was trying the clear the outfield fence, or unexpectedly leaving his horse’s saddle. He was one to put on a “game face” and play through the pain. Dad always loved and revered the Red White and Blue. In fact, his blood was Cougar Blue, as he was a lifetime, devoted BYU fan. When heart conditions so many times came close to taking him, he fought back.  His love and concern for family always pushed him to be his best and rally back!

Barth is survived by his wife, Carma Dean Nielson Mecham Smith; his children: Dennis and Susan Smith of Pleasant Grove, Utah; Sharlene and Kevin Parker of Spanish Fork, Utah; Craig and Linda Smith of Boise, Idaho; Michelle and Dan Phelps of Morgan, Utah; Shirleen and Jeff Morton of Spanish Fork, Utah; Lee and Nicole Mecham of Spanish Fork, Utah. He is survived by 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his siblings: Leon Smith, Norma Jean Snyder, June Johnson, and Tora Baldree.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Ivy Dalene Mayne Smith; his parents, George Robert Smith and Ina Marrilla Carson Smith; brothers: Robert Laurence Smith, George “Jack” Smith, Orville Lyle Smith; his son-in-law, Stanley S. Holt; and a grandson, Dakota Jaymes Parker.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Salem LDS Stake Center, 470 East Canal Road, Salem, Utah. A viewing will be held Tuesday morning, beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Burial will be in the Salem City Cemetery.  Services will be live-streamed at the following link:

https://youtube.com/channel/UC_A8PCzfGZorLQaAxIY8YCw

While no one will be turned away, face masks are strongly encouraged at the viewing and funeral, due to the prevalence of Covid-19 in the community.