Craig Leatham Smith, 75, of Logan, Utah, passed away on the morning of January 10th. Craig was an amazing man with a passion for life, an inspirational father, and a loving son and brother in a very tight-knit family. He was a great friend to a remarkable number of people, and as his friends and family can attest, he made this world a better, brighter place. Known for his sense of humor and big personality, Craig was outgoing and truly loved people. He was also a deep, thoughtful, and spiritual man who cherished long conversations about the things that matter most in life.
Craig was a creator and a builder, both in music and in his trade. As a talented drummer and lover of music, he played in several excellent bands, including My Friends and Diamondback, and helped instill a love of music in his sons. He was a founding member of many local bands and a steadfast supporter of live music in Cache Valley, often showing up at shows to encourage friends and fellow musicians. Even into the last year of his life, Craig was gigging with his childhood band, more than fifty years after they first formed. His encouragement and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on countless musicians in the community.
Professionally, Craig worked in construction most of his life, excelling in drywall, stucco, plastering, and rock work. He was known for his commitment to outstanding craftsmanship and for mentoring many apprentices, who remember not just the hard work but also the memorable moments when Craig would call for a well-deserved break. His friendly nature and skill made him a favorite among local builders and contractors.
Craig’s love for Cache Valley ran deep. While he supported dreams of travel and adventure in others, he always said he was right where he wanted to be—surrounded by the mountains, canyons, rivers, his friends, his dogs, his artwork, his close-knit family, and his extensive music family. His presence in the community was truly legendary, and his laughter and spirit will be missed by all who knew him.
We want to honor Craig’s memory with a Celebration of Life that matches the magnitude of his love for, and impact on, the Cache Valley community. The event will be hosted outdoors if weather permits, as Craig loved being outside, but because May weather in Utah can be unpredictable, we are also securing an indoor venue as a contingency plan. This will be a well-organized show, featuring the best local musicians performing in their bands or in rehearsed line-ups—no jam sessions or unrehearsed performances. There will be good food, good friends, and good memories shared by all. The celebration will feature live music, a professional stage and sound setup, and catering for all who attend, ensuring everyone can gather comfortably to remember Craig.
If you knew dad, ever shared a stage or jobsite with him, or even just enjoyed his company and loved his unmistakable, legendary laugh, we hope you'll help us honor him. Your support would mean the world to us.
Dad’s love for his dogs was a constant in his life. For nearly twenty years, Peanut—his little Yorkshire terrier—was never far from his side, accompanying him to jobsites, errands, and everywhere in between. When Peanut passed, Truffles stepped into that same place beside him, once again becoming a loyal companion in daily life. In honor of that deep bond and the joy his dogs brought him, all proceeds from Dad’s memorial music festival will be donated to the Cache Humane Society.