L Jay Smith

LOGAN -- Lowell Jay Smith, 89.5, passed away at Logan Regional Hospital from congestive heart failure on February 2, 2017. As with everything he did in his life, he was tenacious till the very end.
Jay was born on June 30, 1927, in Logan to Alvin Halcey and Lola Larsen Smith. He attended Logan schools and then served in the Navy during World War II as a communications specialist. He married Leah Fitzgerald on June 30, 1947, in the Logan Temple and they had six children. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art photography from Utah State University.
Jay worked as a graphic film artist for USU Extension for nearly 33 years, and also taught art classes at USU. He was a skilled photographer, TV cameraman and graphic artist, which at that time meant he used his talented, steady hand to draw and hand letter all of Extension’s promotional materials. He loved his Extension family and is still remembered fondly by many.
Jay was a dedicated scout leader for more than 38 years. He always practiced what he preached, and after he earned his Eagle Scout ranking, he later earned a bronze, gold and silver palm, for a total of 41 merit badges.
Jay’s beloved wife, Leah, passed away in 1994 after a 15-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was exemplary in his dedicated, loving care for her, and he worked tirelessly to keep her comfortable and happy. He was fastidious in his research looking for new treatment options to help her, and though she couldn’t communicate for many years, their deep love and admiration were apparent.
Jay married Verna Lee Lott and they had many joyous years together. She was a wonderful part of his life and they were able to travel, support each other in their hobbies and enjoy their children and grandchildren together.
Through his photography business, Smith Studio, Jay captured many monumental events for people, including weddings and family groups. After his retirement from USU, he earned his certification in massage therapy, and his touch healed many sore muscles.
Jay loved the outdoors. He was an avid hiker, hunter and fisherman and loved telling stories of his many adventures.
A member of the LDS Church, Jay served in various callings. He was also a temple worker in the Logan Temple for 10 years, which was a highlight for him.
Jay is survived by his wife, Verna Lee, his six children: Leah Jane Brower (Kirk), Hyde Park; Dennis, Taylorsville; Laura Lee (Max), Spokane; Lynn (Gaylene), Centerville; Darrin, Hyrum; and Julene Reese (Todd), North Logan. He is survived by 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three step children: Charise Voss, Chad Shockley and Kenda Lee Montanez as well as five step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Leah, grandson Jade Brower and siblings Valora Linneman and Alvar Smith.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 8, at noon at the 19th Ward LDS chapel, 1255 North 600 East. Viewings will be held on Wednesday before the service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at Allen Mortuary, 420 East 1800 North.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the professional, caring staff at Logan Regional Hospital. With his ever-changing health this past month, Jay got to love and know nearly all of the staff on all of the 3rd floor units!
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net