Honoring Ron Smith: Family Support

Our hearts are broken from the sudden, tragic loss of the most loving husband, father, uncle, and brother in law. At the young age of 55, we are all shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Ron Smith. 

If you knew Ron, you’d refer to him as a super social, fun loving, successful, faith filled man. Always striving for greatness in all areas of his life! He had built a successful business and led an entire team with his incredible drive and determination. Alongside of this, he encountered several difficult life circumstances and hid his overwhelming stress for far too long. His positive outlook and “I can do it” attitude on the outside overshadowed the intense pressure that eventually became too much to handle. He began to struggle with severe depression and anxiety.

For years he wasn’t himself. The Ron we all knew just wasn’t there anymore, but he eventually broke free from that shell and decided to fight for the ones he loved. 

He committed to fight for his wife, children, and family. He turned to prayer and his faith in God to lead him out of his darkness. 

He set his pride aside to rebuild his life, taking a job that paid less than half of what he was making before, and committed to being more present as a husband and father. He made the decision that family would always come first.

This past year he had healed so many relationships that had been broken. He knew that he had a second chance to do it all differently. 

The second half of this year was going to be a new chapter for his family. They were planning to move into a new rental home for a fresh start and they had already signed a lease beginning August 1st. Ron was also excited for an opportunity to start another business again, this time with a different outlook on balancing work and family life. He was filled with happiness and hope for his future. 

Last weekend his family took their annual trip to Palm Springs for his wife’s birthday. He left to go hiking which was one of his favorite activities on that trip, but when he didn’t return for dinner his family became extremely worried and had to call for help. Helicopters, search & rescue, and eventually canines were sent out to bring back answers… but what they found was devastating news.

Ron died doing what he loved, being outdoors and active. He leaves behind his wife, children, and so many others that loved him.

Ron fought so hard to heal himself so he could provide and support his family. Unfortunately, he didn’t have any life insurance or financial safety net. His wife (with two children still living at home) is terrified on how to do this alone on only one income, but she’s NOT alone because we know this incredible community of people who knew and loved Ron will ban together to lift his family up.

If you can donate to help in any way, it would be greatly appreciated and help his family to feel safe and secure during this extremely difficult time. 

Ron Smith will always be remembered as a fighter. He fought for his family and is a beautiful example of perseverance and a true servant of the Lord. We hope his story inspires others to know that’s it’s possible to escape the darkness of anxiety and depression to rebuild your own life again with a foundation of gratitude and faith. 

If you cannot donate, please honour Ron today by hugging your family members, telling them you love them, and remembering that it’s LOVE which truly sets you free to live this life to the fullest.

“Love big. Cry big. Don’t hide your pain, let others carry it. Kill pride or it will kill all that’s good and authentic in this gift of life… given to us to GIVE love and RECEIVE love. That is the scorecard! The dash 1968-2024” -Ron Smith 

If you'd like to zelle Dawn directly to avoid processing fees, that would really bless her as she’s feeling uncomfortable with asking for help. Her Zelle is [email redacted]