Verl George Smart, 89, of Bountiful, Utah, received his peaceful "transfer" home to his Heavenly Father, on Jan. 7, 2012 (his grandson Ty's birthday), at the IMC Hospital in Murray, Utah. This kind and gentle man is and was a friend to all and loved by all who knew and know him. His kindness, thoughtfulness, meekness, willingness to serve all, hard work, and patience has been a blessing to many throughout his life. He truly strived to be like our Savior, Jesus Christ. Verl was born on July 23, 1922 (his granddaughter, Callie Maree, was later born on his birthday), in Union, Utah, to John Henry and Edith Fern Smart. He married Marjorie Maryvine Talley in the Salt Lake Temple on June 5, 1947, which was also his bride's birthday. A year later, their daughter Sheila Terecia was born on that same date. He was a high priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed home teaching. In partnership with his father and two brothers, Lyle and Wayne, Verl owned and operated Smartline Dairy Farm in Union (now known as Sandy), Utah. The farm was home and a special place. Raising sheep, chickens, pigs, and cows; growing corn, hay, and tomatoes were his life. The love and respect of the land, animals, and crops were evident in all he said and did, and passed on to his posterity. He was always learning and alert to discover more effective and efficient ways to benefit the farm, what it produced, and its customers. He taught, "Be kind to the cows. How you treat them is how they will treat you." This seemed to be his life's slogan for all of God's creations. Following his graduation from Jordan High School, he was asked by Joe Herod to drive school bus for Jordan School District for "one week" during World War II since all the men were off to war; he retired 44 years later. He loved the children and took care of his bus (#5, 10, & 101). During World War II the government drafted his older and younger brother to serve in the military, and left him home to run the family farm. With the outbreak of the war, he was unable to fulfill his desire to serve an LDS mission and take advantage of a Union Pacific Railroad scholarship to Utah State University. In lieu, Union Pacific sent him one of their full-size calendars every year. He has a great love and respect for "his" family: wife, parents, daughter, "boy" (son-in-law) and his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and their families, brother and sister-in-laws and their families, and all his "neighbors." They all love him dearly. He has a great love for music: church hymns, polkas, Lawrence Welk, Johnny Cash, the violin and harmonica. He enjoys talking with people. Yellow is his favorite color. He loves to walk, explore and see new places and things. It was stated at the time of his transfer that he would almost be running and pass by those who were waiting for him on the other side, calling out, "I'll be right back," because his body had been unable to walk as he wished the past few years. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marjorie; daughter Sheila Terecia (Brent David) Chaston; five grandchildren: Dev Verl (Brigitta) Chaston, Callie Maree (Gregory Scott) Huntsman, Ty Victor (Deanne) Chaston, Zen Brent (Amy Lee) Chaston, Teah Savil (Shaun George) Hughes; 14 great-grandchildren: Garet Ty, Verl Gregory, Ashlie Ruth, Alta Gregory, Nash Brek, Britlee Ann, Takara Marla, Victor Grant, Paizlee Ann, Brigham Dev, Savil Terecia, Emi Alene, Oddn Gregory, and a boy on the way; and two sisters-in-law: Joyce and Devean Smart. Preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, at 12:30 p.m. at the Canyon Estates Ward, 965 East Oakwood Drive, Bountiful, Utah. Friends may call Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East 10600 South; Sandy, and at the church house 10a.m. to 12 noon prior to the services. Interment will be in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.

Published 12 January 2012 in The Salt Lake Tribune (UT)