Condolences for George Richard Smack
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From Shannon Arrington :
Rita, I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a great teacher that had a way to make music fun. He was a teacher of music for many of my siblings. Tamara, Nathan, Heather, Lisa, Shannon, Marissa, Norman, Bethany, and Kris Arrington. Mother started the joy of music, Mr Smack gave us the love of music. Heather and I were given the joy of working with you. He shall be missed.
From Jackie Farley Anderson:
Mr. Smack was the best teacher. He created a family atmosphere in choir and especially Madrigals, where we created harmony love and joy for music, each other and ourselves. Those were the best years of my life 7-12 grades. It was a safe place to learn and express. He shaped my view and deepened my love of music. Those memories are part of who I have become. Rita was also a part of that family. Forever grateful for these amazing souls!
From Stephen Palmer:
Single handedly changed my trajectory in academia. I was blessed to call him teacher. Prayers for Mr Smack and the entire family.
From Ashleigh Bateman Belnap:
What a beautiful service! I loved learning more about Mr. Smack and having memories from Madrigals and choir flood in. Thank you, Mr. Smack! Your love for music has fueled mine. You were so patient with us. And your vision is inspiring! I look forward to meeting again!
From Russ Kerr:
When a pebble is thrown into water , it causes a ripple effect. Thus is Mr. Smacks love of music. He has taught literally thousands of people to love and appreciate music and we have in turn taught kids and grandkids. His gentle spirit made Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Madrigals my favorite classes and pastimes. I met my best friend in high school in Concert Choir. His legacy will continue to go on. My condolences to his family.
From Kristin Barton:
I’m watching today and just want you all to know how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Richard meant so much to our family, and we feel incredibly grateful for the closeness we shared with your family over the years. The service brought many tears, laughter and many cherished memories. He will always be remembered with so much love. Thinking of all of you and sending my heartfelt condolences.
From Jamey Wills, Class of 1991:
My condolences on your loss.
Mr. Smack was a wonderful teacher and mentor. I truly enjoyed my time in choir with him in junior high and high school. His spirit lives on in generations of students he molded into better people and in the amazing family he built.
From Eric Miller:
I loved this man. He and Rita have been a light of spiritual strength for me in the 7th ward. I had the honor of serving as a membership clerk when he was bishop of our ward and developed a respect and admiration for Richard that continues today. He will be missed.
From Tom & Annette :
We love the entire Smack family and are saddened by Richard's passing. He has been a humble, non-assuming giant of a man in our life, our church, and our community. We have been blessed to associate with not only Richard, but he and Rita are an amazing power couple that we love dearly. Our prayers and condolences are with you.
From Kathy Harris:
My association with Mr. Smack began when I was in seventh grade in his general music class. I learned to accompany on the piano playing for his choirs through my junior high and high school years. What a blessing that two of my children could be in his classes when we returned to Twin Falls. His love for music and for youth certainly blessed our family.
From Jamey Wills, Class of 1991:
My condolences on your loss.
Mr. Smack was a wonderful teacher and mentor. I truly enjoyed my time in choir with him in junior high and high school. His spirit lives on in generations of students he molded into better people and in the amazing family he built.
From Jeff Burdick:
Few others in my life have had such an impact. He built confidence, compassion and a love for music in all of us. When I think about the most important mentors in my life he is one of those. I am the person I am today because of your influence and belief in me. Thank you, may you rest in peace. I look forward to our reunion. God bless you and your family.
From Bill snd Maurine jacobsen:
We are sorry to hear of Richard’s passing, he was a special person and a great influence in our children’s life.
From Bill and Diane Workman:
Richard Smack was a true angel on earth. He taught us to be kind, respectful, confident, caring, loving and dedicated to anything important in our lives. His Christlike example will always be cherished. We are so grateful he took our son under his wing in Madrigals for 3 years which molded him into the man he is today. No parent could ever hope for a better influence for their child. He will be greatly missed! Our love to Rita and family, thank you so much for being a tender influence in our lives!
From Lynette Berry Kenney:
How very fitting that Mr. Smack’s funeral will be during National Teacher Appreciation Week! I was lucky enough to take 7th-grade Choral Music at O’Leary from Mr. Smack in his very first year of teaching, to continue in his choirs until we moved away my senior year, and to attend the final Madrigal concert honoring him when he retired. Being in his choirs profoundly influenced my life and my love of music. He strove for excellence and was never daunted by all the work required to bring his creative ideas and those of his students to fruition. The music, choreography, and visual effects of the Madrigal concerts grew more incredible through the years. It was an amazing experience to create music together, to perform throughout the community, and to be nurtured by Mr. Smack to feel like we were a musical family. He truly created a legacy of excellence in Twin Falls schools.
From Tiffany :
What a wonderful man. Made all of his students feel talented no matter their talent. Thank you Mr. Smack for making me feel my worth.
From Marilyn Swensen and family :
Richard Smack was a blessing in our lives, as a dear friend and then as an example of kindness and love to our children. We will forever be grateful for having him in our lives.
From Jackie Farley Anderson:
Mr. Smack was the best teacher. He created a family atmosphere in choir and especially Madrigals, where we created harmony love and joy for music, each other and ourselves. Those were the best years of my life 7-12 grades. It was a safe place to learn and express. He shaped my view and deepened my love of music. Those memories are part of who I have become. Rita was also a part of that family. Forever grateful for these amazing souls!
From Chad Heider:
I simply cannot express the love and admiration I have for my friend Richard Smack. From my younger years to present day he has always been an example to me and I always felt his love and concern for me. I express my love and prayers to the Smack family at this time. He is one of the best!!
From Felise Thorpe Moll:
Some work for a paycheck. Not Mr. Smack as I knew him from junior high through my junior year in high school. His authenticity glowed. I do not have a great voice, even as an alto. But he taught me to read music. I learned how to hear it as well. And the exposure to wonderful music pieces. I still sing some of the songs in my head. My heart is with you Amy and your family.
From Jackie Farley Anderson:
Mr. Smack was the best teacher. He created a family atmosphere in choir and especially Madrigals, where we created harmony love and joy for music, each other and ourselves. Those were the best years of my life 7-12 grades. It was a safe place to learn and express. He shaped my view and deepened my love of music. Those memories are part of who I have become. Rita was also a part of that family. Forever grateful for these amazing souls!
From Keri and Cameron Oler Family:
Bishop Smack and Rita are some of the sweetest examples of Christ like love and faith. We are blessed to have been in their ward and neighborhood. Prayers for Rita and your whole family.
From Kendra Patterson Child:
Mr Smack was a bigger influence in my life than any other teacher I have ever had. His love of music shaped me and my family in ways that are going to last forever. He is an incredible force for good!! I’m so thankful that I was lucky enough to have known him as an accompanist and a singer, and then later as a friend. Those were some of the best memories of my life. He will be missed!
From Mark Crandall:
I loved choir and Madrigals with Mr Smack! He had a huge impact on me and was a great example to thousands of students over the years. I am so grateful for him and his family. He helped me build confidence on stage and gave me so many fun memories from high school.
From Randy & Annette Hansen:
To our daughter, Emily, he was Mr. Smack. To us later, we added "Bishop" Smack. The kindest & most compassionate man. We loved him!
From Kendra Patterson Child:
Mr. Smack was a bigger influence in my life than any other teacher I have ever had. His love of music shaped me and my family in ways that are going to last forever. He is an incredible force for good!! I’m so thankful that I was lucky enough to have known him as an accompanist and a singer, and then later as a friend. Those were some of the best memories of my life. He will be missed!
From Jared Jacobsen:
The best of the best. I would not be where or who I am today without him as my teacher from 7 - 12th grade.
From Eleanore Burkhart:
I, too, was a teacher and colleague at TFHS.
I loved Dick's Jive concerts!
From Judy Schroeder:
I am sorry to hear about Dick's death. I taught with him at TFHS for many years. Both my girls were in his choir classes. He was a thoughtful, gentle man. He will be missed by many.
From Jeannine Berriochoa :
Mr. Smack was one of the most respected teachers that I have ever known and it was an honor to work with him.
From JEAN ELLSWORTH:
Condolences to Rita and family. My prayers are with you.
From Debbie Cook:
I've had Mr. Smack from 7th grade through my senior year. Madrigals was the highlight of high school years for me. I so loved Mr. Smack and Mrs. Smack. The trip to Spokane for all Northwest was amazing riding with the Smacks. I got to ride in the front and the boys, Wayne, Jerry and David were in the back. It was wild trip and so much fun. A time I will never forget. Thank you Mr. Smack for helping me to do and be a better person. I love you!
From Jay Akkerman:
Kim (formerly Rosenau) and I were saddened to learn of Mr. Smack's passing. Dick was our choir teacher from the 7th-12th grades, and we were both impacted by his leadership as our Madrigals director in high school. We were classmates with his kids Shelley and Ti, and Kim worked with Rita early in our marriage. Our hearts go out to the Smack family as they grieve the passing of a fine man.
From Richard Crowley:
Richard Smack was a confidence builder for me and many high school students. He was a positive influence not only in music but in life. Our city was a better place to grow up because of this good man.
From Emily Capps Estey:
I had Mr Smack from 7th grade to senior year. He was an amazing teacher and I still credit him with my love for music. We performed Verdi’s Requiem my senior year, one of my best memories from high school. Through his passion we found ours.
From Doug Guymon:
Mr. Smack was my choir teacher from 7th-11 grade. He could tune a ukulele with the best of them. After high school it was always nice to see him out and about in the Magic Valley.
From Mary Lu Barry:
Dick was such a wonderful teacher and an esteemed colleague. I like to think that the music he loved so deeply is still echoing—carried in the voices of his students and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.
From Heather Redman Etcheverry:
On behalf of the Redman family, our deepest condolences. Heather, Emily, and Alison are eternally grateful for our time as Mr. Smack’s students. What an incredible legacy!
From Melissa McCollough :
I loved singing in Mr. Smack’s choir. I will never forget being given a solo that I still remember to this day and every time I sing the song, It is Well With my Soul, I think of getting that chance. Mr. Smack, is now well with your soul. May your wife, family and community find solace in knowing you were loved and will be profoundly missed.
From Gale Carlock:
I loved him as a choir teacher for three years. He loved what he did. You will be missed Mr. Smack
From Carrie (Carlock)Duke:
I was in school when Richard taught choir I never took choir but I loved going in the music hall and hearing his choirs sing including his madrical group he had.
From Jeff Stearns, Class of 1991:
As a former student of Mr Smack, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends, and offer up my simple prayers for comfort, peace, wisdom and healing.
Many of my fondest memories come from my time spent under his teaching.
He was much more than a teacher to his students. He was a mentor, a friend, and an example to be followed.
He saw the potential in each and every student, even when they couldn’t see it themselves, and he wouldn’t rest until he had showed them that they were capable of so much more than even they thought possible.
Thank you, sir, for showing us all what servant leadership looks like, for giving us your time, your care, and your love, and for helping us all find our way through some of our most formative years.
From Evie Donnelly:
A very nice man and wonderful, respected teacher
From Lynda Ahlborn :
It’s amazing to think of how many young lives were positively influenced by Mr. Smack. He instilled a love and appreciation of music that I will be forever grateful for.
From Brent Nielson :
We love Dick. He is a great friend. He will be sorely missed. The Nielson family sends our love and condolences as you celebrate a life well lived.
From Jeannine Larsen :
What a beautiful obituary. Richard first came into my life as a Choir director and I was his accompanist and a babysitter for Shelley, Ti and Amy. He taught me so much. How lucky I’ve been to marry into the family.
From Evan Allan:
I met Mr Smack when I was a sophomore and my brother told him that I should play piano for choir but I was too shy. Mr Smack invited me in to play for him and told me I should be in choir as a junior. This changed my life as I played for him and learned how to sing. It has led to many opportunities that have strengthened my love for music. I’ve always been grateful for him to reach out like that and extend that personal invite. Thank you Mr Smack from the bottom of my heart.
From Sherry Greenup :
Sorry for your loss. I loved him as my music teacher.
From Bernt Lundgren:
Your legacy lives on through your love of all those that you have touch. My life is better because you were in my life. You help those around you how to live and enjoy the journey. May the Lord give peace to your family. You will be missed
From Scott Snow:
Great teacher and great man! So sorry for your loss.
From Kurt Snyder:
What a wonderful man. Mr. Smack was my favorite teacher. He had a lifelong impact on me. Deeply thankful to have known him. My condolences to Rita and the family, lots of great memories singing with several of you. May the Lord comfort you.
From Grant Starley:
Rita, I’m so sorry for your loss. Dick was a special man who loved the Lord and his family. We have love your family for many years. I have always appreciated you and the great support you have been to me and my family.. May the Lord bless you with comfort and Love at this difficult time. Grant and Sharon Starley
From Lawrence Wasden:
Thank you Mr. Smack. You were a great influence in my life. I love you and cherish the time we had together.
From Becky Deibert:
Thank you Mr. Smack for making such a difference in the lives of our children and so many more. You will be remembered fondly by so many. Our condolences to the family.
From Christie Maritt Low:
Mr. Smack was a pivotal figure in my young life as my choir, chamber singers, and madrigals director. He was such a kind and lovely soul and will be missed.
From Terry & Judy McCurdy:
We so love and honor the life of Richard Smack! A Christ-Like man who lead by example. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his sweet wife and all the family!!