Brad Smith, 63, from Island Park, ID. died at his home on Friday, November 11, 2016.

Brad was born September 11, 1953 to W. Claude and Evadna Faith Smith in Omaha, NB. Both his parents preceded him in death.

Brad grew up in Salt Lake City, UT. He graduated from Skyline High School and attended the University of Utah.

Brad was also a musician, drums being his best. In his teens he and friends formed a band named 'The Inlaws'. They performed at many Battle of the Bands in Salt Lake City, winning many of these and having the opportunity to play as the starter band before a few of the many great bands we know today, such as Jefferson Airplane and Savoy Brown. We'd often have people come into the Grub Stake and say they could hear Brad playing the drums while on the river above the A-Bar.

At a very young age, Brad was taught how to work hard. He worked with his Dad at Magna Garfield Truckline/Uintah Freightways and Colt Trucking. Brad started as a Dock hand, loading and unloading trailers at the trucklines and then at its operation with D&RG Railroad loading and unloading containers. Brad was dependable and stayed on task even in the most difficult assignments. He had unique communication abilities and was soon assisting in dispatching trucks, equipment and drivers. Because of his loyalty, honesty and quick mind, Brad soon learned tariffs, how to rate & cut freight bills. Brad's dry wit, fun sense of humor, loyalty, honesty, work ethic and his willingness to learn, afforded him opportunities to further his many talents and abilities.

Brad and his wife, Dione chose to leave Salt Lake City and move to Island Park, Idaho.They bought the Grub Stake Market in Last Chance, Island Park on September 1, 1980 where they started their family two years later. Brad was a good business minded man, when he wasn't thinking of how to get out and go fish. They chose this town because of the Henry's Fork, which he loved. He'd often become a pest in the store just so we'd say, "Why don't you go fishing…" with a response, "Really, can I?" as he'd hurry out the door before we could change our minds.

In 1989 Brad embarked on the adventure of building a house. Having never built anything in his life, he set to work building a beautiful log home for his family. This began a love of carpentry that has blessed his family for many years. After building the house, he refined his craft and built beautiful furniture, cupboards, and anything else we needed.

Brad contributed to the Island Park community in many ways. He was involved with the Island Park Sportsmen's Association, the founding of the Henry's Fork Foundation in Bill Manlove's living room, served on the Island Park City Council and was the Mayor for a time.

He and friend, Rene Harrop, had a local paper, The Forkin' News for the summer of 2000. The following summer Brad started his own paper, the Island Park Guide, running it until 2007. Many locals contributed some great articles to both papers with fun stories. Brad's motto was always to have a 'good news' newspaper. There was already enough bad news. He loved to write and was very good at it. He knew words and how to use them, often making up his own words when needed.

Brad is survived by his wife, Dione and two children, Cynthia (Tuc) Atchley & Alex Smith, four beautiful grandchildren – Aspyn, Max, Jett and Hoyt, his siblings: Cindy (John) Fruin, Daniel (Vickie) Smith, Brian Smith, Melissa (Brian) Davis, Emilee (Ryan) Shelley, stepmom Marsha Smith, and many nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Ashton Stake Center, 512 N. 2nd Street. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Pineview Cemetery under the direction of Baxter Funeral Home.