Craig C. Smith, 64

Craig C. Smith was welcomed home into the loving arms of his Father in Heaven the morning of September 1, 2008 after fighting cancer valiantly for more than a decade. Craig was born May 1, 1944 to Clinton and Metta Crawford Smith. He grew up in Groveland, Idaho where at a young age he developed an unrelenting work ethic and a keen, problem-solving mind. He graduated at the top of his class from Blackfoot High School in 1962 where he was captain of the football team and also represented his school in basketball, track and baseball. Most importantly, it was at Blackfoot High where he first kissed homecoming royalty, Illa Mae Horton, who later became his eternal companion.

After graduation, he attended BYU for one year before leaving for an LDS mission to Ireland. Shortly after returning home in 1966, Craig married his high school sweetheart in the Idaho Falls Temple. He graduated from BYU with a bachelors and a masters in Mechanical Engineering and continued his education at MIT in Boston, where he earned a PhD in 1973. He chose to remain in academics as a professor, first teaching at the University of Texas at Austin before returning to his alma mater BYU. He was a tenured professor of Mechanical Engineering and enjoyed his work as an advisor in the graduate program and influenced the
lives of countless students and colleagues. Outside of his academic career, Craig worked as a professional engineering consultant and served numerous times as an expert witness in accident reconstruction.

Craig was active in professional societies where he served as Chair of the Executive Committee of the Dynamic Systems and Controls Division of ASME, Member of the Operating Board of the Systems and Design Technical Group of ASME, a Director of the American Automatic Controls Council, and an ASME fellow. He was known internationally as an expert in his field.

In 1997, Craig started working with Caldera Engineering. He was intrigued by the work they were doing and enjoyed finding solutions to the challenges Caldera faced. Perhaps most importantly, he loved the people that he was able to interact with there. His association with Caldera is an important highlight of his professional career.

Together, Craig and Illa raised four children, Hugh, Mark, Natalie and Matt. He instilled in each of his children the importance of a good education and encouraged them to pursue whatever fields genuinely interested them. Through the years he encouraged them to participate in sports. As a coach or in the stands, He was always their biggest fan. And they are his.

Craig was active in the LDS Church and served faithfully throughout his life. He spent several years serving as bishop of a BYU ward, and as a counselor in several bishoprics. He served as Elders Quorum President, Sunday school teacher, Scout Master, and most recently as a ward clerk and family history consultant. He loved and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He was a loving grandfather, father, brother, and devoted husband. His family was the most important part of his life. He was a man of intelligence, insight, and integrity. He is survived by his wife, Illa, and his children, Hugh (Rachel), Mark (Emily), Natalie (Adam), Matt (Camille), and nine grandchildren.

We would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff at Central Utah Medical Center Oncology for the loving care that they gave to Craig during the past 10 years, especially Dr. Brian Tudor and his team for helping him fight for so long. We also wish to express our gratitude and appreciation for the many kindnesses and expressions of love during our time of sorrow.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 6, 2008 at 2pm at the Edgemont 8th Ward LDS chapel on 3050 N Mojave Lane in Provo. A viewing will be held from 6-8pm Friday evening, September 5, at Berg Mortuary on 185 E Center Street in Provo, as well as one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be at the Highland City Cemetery.