Bruce Clovis Smith

Ivins, UT – Bruce Clovis Smith “Papaw” passed away quietly in his sleep early morning on Aug. 29, 2015. He died of natural causes. He was 79 years old. He was residing at the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins, UT at the time of his passing. Bruce is a man who lived larger than life. He was a dedicated husband, father and friend to all. He was a very diplomatic man and got along with most everyone he met. He was a deep, reflective thinker. He was born in Nevada, MO on September 23, 1935, to Clovis Walker Smith “Doc” and Ruby Elizabeth Smith. Bruce had one older sister that passed at a young age from scarlet fever. As a child, Bruce had a loyal dog named “Rocky.” In Bruce’s’ his high school years, his father would teach the boys in their community how to box. Doc taught Bruce to fight. When Bruce would defeat his opponent Doc would get an even bigger opponent to challenge Bruce. Bruce enjoyed boxing, pole vaulting, and art. Bruce joined the US Marine Corps and was active duty during the Korean War. During his service he received the National Service Defense Medal and became an Expert Marksman. When Bruce returned to civilian life, he developed a love for body building. He became part owner of Worlds Gym in Denver, CO and trained his best friend, Roger Long, and others to hold titles such as Mr. Colorado. Bruce went to the Kansas City School of Art. It was there he perfected his God given talent of drawing, commercial art and oil painting. Over the course of a lifetime, he developed a name for himself in the world of western/cowboy art. At one point in life, Bruce decided to get a barber license to cut hair. Before the age of computer generated imaging, Bruce would draw his clients face on a 3x5 card along with three or four different hairstyles so his client could get a better idea of they may have wanted. He had people coming to Denver by the busload from Wyoming just to get a haircut! Bruce is a member of the LDS Church. He loved the Lord and the gospel. He grew most from teaching others from the various calling he held. Bruce is survived by: his wife Kari Yvonne Smith; daughters: Kamin Dee (Daniel) McCune and Karissa Yvette (Timothy Gordon) Ramsey; six grandchildren Annie Sullivan, Danielle McCune, Sena Box, Aaron Lesue’, Rachel Maloy, Sarah Maloy; five great-grandchildren: Daryn Barrett, Stephen Hosier, Bryce, Adam, and Hayden Murphy; and one great-great granddaughter: Lavaya Barrett. Thank you to our fathers caregivers, first and foremost my loving and most attentive husband, Timothy Gordon Ramsey who did everything possible daily in his power to make sure dad had the best care and most comfortable last couple years of his live... Thank You! You've been our Rock. Thank you to the staff of the Southern Utah Veterans Home, journey of Hope Hospice and all those at Serenity Funeral home. Services for Bruce Clovis Smith will be held Friday September 04, 2015 at the Serenity Funeral Home St. George. Viewing begins at 10AM. Service to commence at 10:30AM. Please do not send flowers. Please send your contributions to www.govetsfoundation.org or your favorite charity.

Bruce Clovis Smith

September 23, 1935 - August 29, 2015