Don C. Smellie

Don Carl Smellie, 87, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2024, at the Legacy House in Logan, Utah. He was born on September 17, 1937, in Buhl, Idaho, the son of John Ricks and Luella Hansen Smellie. He enjoyed growing up on the family farm and had a wonderful childhood with his five siblings. He attended a one room schoolhouse (Kindergarten-8th grade). He graduated from Buhl High School where he met Deanna Young, a beautiful girl who had moved to Buhl from the big city (Salt Lake City). They became great friends, both attended BYU after high school, and were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 18, 1956. 

The early years of marriage were challenging and rewarding for them as they worked their way through school while starting their family. Don attended Indiana University where he earned his Masters Degree and his Doctorate Degree in Education (Instructional Media). 

He began his career at Utah State University in 1967 with the Instructional Media Department. After a few years, Don was asked to be the Department Head- a position he held until his retirement in 2001. He helped transition Instructional Media to Instructional Technology and was one of the early pioneers in long-distance learning. He was elected President of his national association (AECT) in 1987. Through his storied career, Dr. Smellie spoke all over the country and did many trainings all over the world. He was awarded the Governor’s Medal for Science & Technology in 1999.

One of his greatest joys was helping students. Dr. Smellie was always willing to help students find direction in their careers and financial assistance- as many people did the same for him when he was in college. He retired as the longest tenured department head in the history of Utah State having served 31 years as Department Head.

Don had many hobbies he enjoyed. He was a handyman and could fix anything. He enjoyed many projects in his life including building our family cabin at Bear Lake and restoring a 1929 Dodge Victory 6- a project he had always promised he would do after retirement. He did it and won many national awards at various car shows. 

Don had a great love for skiing and was a member of the Beaver Mountain Ski Patrol for over 25 years where he earned his National Ski Patrol Award Number. He enjoyed serving on the ski patrol with his wife for many years. Don & Deanna were a true love story. They have been devoted to each other for 67 years of marriage. 

A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Don served in many callings including as Bishop and High Councilor. He helped develop the “Teaching No Greater Call” manual serving on a committee with Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a calling Don thoroughly enjoyed. He served two missions with his wife, the first to the Cove Fort Historical Site and then at the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York. Don had a very strong testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Don is survived by his wife, Deanna Smellie of Logan; three daughters and two sons, Debbie Thompson of Layton, Utah; Tami (Kyle) Griffiths of Smithfield, Utah; Sandy (Allen) Mecham of North Logan, Utah; Ron (Heather) Smellie of Preston, Idaho; and Dave (Lindsay) Smellie of Logan; by 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; by two sisters, Jennie Montogomery of Buhl, Idaho and Pauline (Earland) Smith of Tremonton, Utah. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Ryan Phillips, by two brothers, Rex Smallie and Dell Smellie and by a sister, Bonnie Sparks. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11 am in the Foxridge Ward Chapel, 155 N. 100 E., Providence, Utah with Bishop Jared Jensen conducting. Viewings will be held on Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. both at the church. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

The services will be streamed live and may be watched Saturday at 11 am (MST) by clicking on the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/7ADfD5Ub5tU?feature=share