In Loving Memory of Noel F. Smith, my daddy

Kurt and I were discussing over dinner tonight how it is important to have copies of important documents in multiple places. I thought I'd take this opportunity to share my dad's eulogy that I wrote for his funeral almost 9 years ago.
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Noel F. Smith, 54, of Cameron Park, passed away August 20, 1999. Noel was born September 16, 1944, in Brunswick, Georgia. Raised in the Denver, CO area, Noel served a mission during the years 1965-1967, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the North Scottish Mission. He then moved to California in 1968, where he met and married his wife Cheryl and graduated from Bakersfield College with a degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Corrections. Shortly there after he began working for the California Department of Corrections where for 27 years he served as a State Peace Officer. Noel was very dedicated to his career while he served California residents in many different positions over the years. He received a 25 year certificate from the CA Dept of Corrections and considered himself a "Correction Expert." We know he was because we saw all his research.

Noel enjoyed all sports--both playing them and watching his children play. In high school he played nose guard and was proud of his 17 1/2" biceps. Later on, he was proud of his undefeated CA Dept of Corrections football team where he was nicknamed "The 'Lil Hulk." Among other sports, Noel also enjoyed playing racquetball, handball, water skiing, and bowling a perfect game.

Noel had a deep love of music. He had a beautiful tenor voice. He sang throughout his life--for his family on long family car rides, solos in his high school choir, working as a protestant choir member, numerous church choirs, and sing "O Holy Night" every Christmas we can remember.

Growing up Noel had a difficult childhood, but he never lost the importance of his family. His life goal was to have each of his children married in the temple and graduated from college. Thus far he has succeeded--Rebecca was married in 1993 and graduated from BYU in 1995. Noah was married last December and will graduate this spring. Lastly, Rachel was accepted to BYU and will leave very shortly. (I'll update this...we all were married in the temple and graduated from BYU) Noel was very proud of his family. He always gave 110% in everything he did. He always said to do everything to the finish or not at all. He told us that your priorities in life should be God, then Family, then Country. Noel would do just about anything for anyone. He was an excellent role model and example. Noel was a spiritual, gentle, hardworking, dedicated, devoted, loving, family man who gave great advice. Lastly, Noel had an unconditional love for his family and friends. He also treated Art and Anissa, his son and daughter-in-laws just like part of the family.
Noel was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held the office of an Elder. Most recently, he worked with the youth of the Cameron Park Ward. He enjoyed the challenge of teaching the youth. He also was involved in and loved missionary work even after his Scottish mission. He enjoyed giving his family blessings. Honoring the priesthood was very important to him.

Noel was also a member of Elks Lodge No. 266, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, and the California Correctional Supervisors Organization.

He loved to fish, golf, sing, make wood projects, and like to go "all out" for special events. But mostly he loved to be with his family.

He made it to witness the birth of his first grandchild, Tristan. It only took him three hours to get from Bakersfield to Folsom when Becky went into labor. Noel was the best "papa". He loved to spend time with Tristan and Kylee. Lately Papa was almost the only one who could get Tristan in the car seat. With the news of Tristan's arrival, Noel started a tradition for his grandchildren's college fund. He called it "Papa's Milk Money". He paid to fly an old fashioned milk can back from southern California. As he traveled he collected change to put in the milk can and encouraged others to do the same. Noel also started another family tradition, as a son in the family departed on a mission, the father would engrave a personal message on golden plates that he had designed. His hope is for the plates to be passed through the family.
As parting words, here are some words of advice from none other than Noel himself: "There is no such thing as the word can't", "Whatever thou Art, Act well thy Part", "Play for Show, Putt for Dough", "Do everything to the finish or not at all", "For a relationship to succeed you both need to give 100%", "If God before us, we can prevail."