Robert Ryan Smith, 45, of King George, VA passed through the veil and into the heavenly arms of family and friends on October 20, 2023. His untimely departure leaves an enormous gap in our lives that was filled with his love and everlasting kindness.

Ryan was born to Robert and Glenda Smith on October 11, 1978 and grew up in Layton, Utah and fulfilled many roles in his all too brief lifetime. Ryan was a scouter and outdoorsman; he was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; he served a 2 year spanish speaking mission in New Jersey; he was an accomplished physicist; he was an avid lover of playing games with family and friends; but, most of all he was Kristin’s husband and eternal companion. He first met Kristin while pursuing his education in physics at Weber State University. He was a lab instructor and noticed the beautiful girl in the 2^nd row that he assumed was married. You can imagine his excitement when his friend Dave (Kristin’s brother) informed him that she was not married after all. Ryan and Kristin soon fell in love and were married in December of 2005 in the Salt Lake Temple. Ryan loves Kristin with all of his heart and all of his soul; and the inverse of that is equally true, she loves him with all of her heart and all of her soul.

Ryan’s educational journey was capped with a Master’s Degree in Physics from the University of Utah. That soon led into a career field where he excelled as the Comms group lead, performing electromagnetic interference analyses at NSWC Dahlgren for the US Navy. He loved his job and his co-workers.  His way of bringing people together was with food. He would organize potlucks and his contribution was always massive amounts of smoked meats!

Ryan was a passionate outdoorsman who found solace and joy camping and backpacking in the Wind River mountains of Wyoming. Scouting was a huge part of his life, and he especially loved when it involved his dad and brothers. He loved guns, shooting, and fishing. He was a Scout leader and a great example and leader of young men who looked to him for guidance.

Ryan was known by his nieces and nephews as the uncle who loved to joke and tease, which often ended with a wink that made you feel special. He always had a game to play and time to play it! He was an expert in all games and loved to patiently explain the rules to the “newbies” that huddled around the table at family gatherings.

Ryan loved anything sports, especially football. He was a huge UTES fan and was often seen wearing his Utes hats and shirts. He was also a man who was very good with his hands. He would quilt with his sister and even made Kristin a quilt while they were dating. Since he was a teenager, he has been collecting Magic: The Gathering cards and has amassed an impressive collection. In recent years he became passionate about the game “War Hammer” and spent hours painting, detailing, and perfecting his miniatures for the frequent game nights.

Above all, Ryan was a man with a big heart. He always stood up for the underprivileged and defended the underdog. He shared his wisdom and warmth as a Sunday School teacher, leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched. Ryan and Kristin’s eternal marriage provides hope for a future where, once again, two can become one. Until that day, when all questions are answered, Kristin will wait patiently for the day when she can, once again, hold the hand of her “forever” Ryan.

Ryan is survived by his beloved wife, Kristin Smith; parents, Robert & Glenda Smith; in-laws Barbara Whelan, Dana & Pam Whelan; siblings, Amanda Larsen (Scott), Kevin Smith (Amber), and Jared Smith; brothers-in-law, David Whelan (Andrea) and Scott Whelan (Briana); sisters-in-law, Debbie Faehnrich, Cathy Roberts (Eric), and Cori Whelan; honorary brother, Aaron Snuffer.

Ryan and Kristin were unable to have children of their own, so their nieces and nephews were incredibly important to them. We love you “Buncle Ryan”!– Anna, Caleb, Ryan, Emma, River, Reo, Sean, Alyssa, Kollin, Christian, Dalton, Abby, Devon, Lindsey, Caden, Rylan, Emily, Sydnee, Sophie, Chloe, Avery, and Eden.

A private viewing and graveside service will be held on November 4, 2023. A public memorial service and BBQ afterwards (casual attire) will be held at 2:00pm on November 4, 2023 at 20 Boscobel Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. Storke Funeral Home, King George is handling arrangements.