It has taken several attempts for this post to be produced. I have started and stopped whilst the tears have filled my eyes as I have considered the words that might adequately do justice to a man I was lucky enough to call my friend.
My thoughts have not been lonely either, as there are many who were privileged to call Garrett Drew Smith their friend. We all shared something with Garrett, however, that we were deeply touched for the better with his zest for the University of Life at the school of Adventure. Garrett found joy, happiness, life lessons and a plethora of other things in everyday normalcy. His passion and dedication to all things adventurous were unparalleled. It was this zealot like attitude that caught my attention the first time we met.
Mollie (not to be confused with Amalia aka Molly) and I had just been married and moved into Garrett's ward. He was getting ready to serve an LDS mission, preparing himself physically by a rigorous climbing schedule. What better way to prep.? I won't forget how badly my hands and fingers ached week after week of climbing with Garrett, as with every adventure, he pushed me to my limits, encouraging me to surpass my own perceived ability. It didn't end there, he pushed all those he came into contact with to be better in every regard.
We later met up again as we shared the opportunity to work together and commute to and from the office everyday. His powerful love and devotion to the things close to his heart manifested themselves to me everyday as we talked and discussed life and relationships. I can say with all that Garrett loved in his life there was one love that dwarfed all the others, a red headed girl named Molly! It was rare for me to see Garrett deeply emotional but when he spoke of his simple and humble love for the beautiful girl of his life. That isn't to say it was all a bed of roses. Like all things worth fighting for Molly was no different. I asked him once what it was that really made her the one, his answer; "She pushes me to be better, and challenges me every time I am with her!" I loved watching him fight and win over the heart of his life and the polished man that she drove him to be!
I can't forget the look his passion brought to Tait's face when he first met the "tall dark scary" Garrett. But like so many of us Tait fell in love with Garrett's loud and contagious smile. He would squeal every time Garrett caught him and tickled him but with the trust and love like an uncle! I know there are many that will miss you Garrett but I know Mollie and I both will miss you terribly as a friend and example of what life should be! This little tribute would be cut short if Mollie didn't share her favorite memories...
I just want to express some thoughts and memories that I will have forever about Garrett. I remember him riding his bike or driving down to our house every morning to go with Joel to work. He would come in and play with Tait and we would chat about his latest adventures and/or his dating life. He was always very open and honest, always sweet to Tait and very good to me. I have never seen someone be such a wonderful, loyal friend either. We, and especially Joel, could always count on Garrett. I remember giving him a hard time for his long hair...soon after that, he was sitting on a stool in our backyard while Joel shaved his hair off. I loved it when he would yell Tait's name from out the car window as they were driving down the street, just getting home from work. I know Tait loved it too. Garrett is a gentle giant to me. There were a few times that he would just stop in to say hi or drop something off. I loved our conversations and getting to know him more every time we talked. I can only hope to have as much determination, humility, kindness and love for life as our good friend, Garrett. I will never forget you, gentle giant. Thank you for influencing our lives for the better.
Garrett Drew Smith - 1985 - 2011
