Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

 

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” 

~ Helen Keller

Cleil Smith

Cleil Thayne Smith, age 84 of Santaquin, Utah passed away at home on November 30, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones. Cleil was born August 19, 1940 in Santaquin to Ella May Thayne and Isaac Jesse Smith, the seventh of eight children. He attended school in Santaquin and Payson.

Cleil met the love of his life, Mary Louise Lyons, and they were married November 11, 1958. They were married for 66 years. They are the parents of 5 children, 19 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren.

Cleil worked construction and was the Chief of Police for Santaquin City for 5 years. He also ran a detective agency before moving on to work at IFA, and finally to Utah Power and Light where he retired after 25 years.

Cleil loved riding motorcycles and he and Mary travelled all around the United States, Mexico and Canada. Cleil and Mary were members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association where he was chapter President. Cleil also had a love for the outdoors and he and Mary bought property up at Holiday Oaks where they enjoyed spending their summers with family and friends. Cleil also loved his special fur baby, Wally, and was so heartbroken when Wally passed away.  He loved riding his horses in the mountains and spent a lot of time doing that. He was a jack of all trades and could build anything he put his mind to. Cleil owned and operated Smith Excavating as well. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings.

Cleil is survived by his sweetheart of 66 years, his children and spouses, Terry Lynne and Alfredo Parra of Santaquin, Scott Bernell and Lonni Smith of Mona, Valerie Jane and Randy Haskell of Santaquin, Catherine Smith of Ivins, Nancy Kay and Greg Balzly of Genola, 19 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren. Cleil was preceded in death by both of his parents, all 7 siblings and their spouses, and 2 great grandchildren.

There will be a viewing on Thursday, December 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Brown Family Mortuary in Santaquin. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 6th at 11:00 am at the Santaquin Stake Center, 45 South 500 West, with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:45 am prior to the services. Interment will be at the Santaquin City Cemetery.

Many thanks to all who helped care for Cleil over the past few years. Till we meet again.