Galen Jerrold Smith

Galen Jerrold Smith was reunited with his sweetheart when he passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 10th, 2018. He was born September 17th, 1935 in Salt Lake City to Gale Dustin and Geraldine Huber Smith and lived his early life in Salt Lake City and Ogden. He attended West High School where he was active in all sports. He was named as an "All State" quarterback. He attended the University of Utah on a football scholarship and played under the leadership of Coach Jack Curtis. He loved hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather. Flying was always paramount in his goals, and he began his career in aviation as an Air Force cadet when nineteen years old. After graduation from flight school, he married the love of his life, Carol Ruth Pulsipher, in the Salt Lake Temple in 1957. Flying continued to fulfill his dreams, when he was hired as a pilot for United Airlines in 1960. He flew for United for 35 years and retired as a senior captain and check pilot. While living in Colorado, he was called to active duty with the Colorado Air National Guard in 1968-1969. He went to Vietnam where he flew 247 combat missions in the F-100 fighter plane — receiving decorations of two distinguished flying crosses and eleven air medals while serving his country.
Galen had many varied interests and wonderful experiences in life. He was a member of the Park City Ski Patrol for 14 years, where he was twice named "Patrolman of the Year." During the Salt Lake Olympics, he was a judge for the ski jumping competition. He was always interested in sports and service. He refereed hundreds of basketball games for the Church and recreation leagues. He played softball, tennis, and golf. He even golfed up to his last week of life. He and his wife traveled extensively all over the world, but they especially loved Hawaii and cruises.
Galen was always the first to volunteer for any service for others. He was a faithful member of the LDS Church, where he was instrumental in the lives of many young men, including his four sons. He served in the young men's program for many years. He served as a Sunday school president, elders' quorum president, high priest group leader, as well as many years in two bishoprics.
One of the highlights of his life was the call with his sweetheart to serve in the Illinois Nauvoo Mission, where they participated in all activities and he served in the mission presidency. Later, they served two years together as missionaries in the Addiction Recovery Program, where they had many spiritual experiences. Galen and Carol also served as ordinance workers in the Bountiful Temple for many years.
The most important thing in Galen's life was his wonderful family. His parents and his beloved wife, Carol, preceded him in death. He is survived by four sons: Bret (JeaNette) Smith of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida (currently serving as the mission president of the Santo Domingo East Dominican Republic Mission); Steve (the late Julie) Smith of Bountiful; Scott (Jenna) Smith of Bountiful; Kendall Smith of Denver, Colorado; fourteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, a sister Penny (Gene) Milne of Bountiful, and adopted in love, Geralyn Ty Chico of Manila, Philippines. Life was wonderful, exciting, and fulfilling.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Stone Creek LDS Chapel, 1476 N 300 W, Bountiful, Utah. Friends may visit with our family at the Russon Brothers Mortuary in Bountiful on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 between the hours of 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and at the Stone Creek building before the service from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at the Bountiful City Cemetery.