Wayne R. Smith

Wayne R. Smith, 75, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2026, after a courageous battle with bladder cancer.

Wayne was born on April 30, 1951, to Nyle Reed Smith and Norma Telford Smith. His sister, Jeanne, joined the family a few years later.

Wayne enjoyed the simple things that made life memorable. He loved boating at Bear Lake with his family, especially time spent aboard the family boat, affectionately known as "Leaping Lena." He also enjoyed car shows, jazz music, camping, and time with the people he cared about most.

Wayne later married Sylvia Woolf, and they welcomed their son, Jarod. Wayne and Sylvia later divorced.

In 1988, Wayne met David McKinster. From then on, Wayne and David shared their lives as best friends and partners, building decades of memories together.

Wayne is survived by his partner, David McKinster; his ex-wife, Sylvia; his son, Jarod Smith; his grandson, Ian Smith; his sisters, Jeanne Reichert and her husband, Kevin; Carla Williams; and C J Nemeth; his brother, Anthony Smith and his wife, Mery. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Advanced Home Health and Advanced Hospice for the compassionate care they provided Wayne during his final year.

In accordance with Wayne's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. His family plans to remember and celebrate him privately at a later date.

And in a way that feels true to Wayne: if you knew him, raise a glass in his memory.