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George Richard Smack

Feb. 27, 1940 - Apr. 24, 2026

Date of Service: May 5, 2026

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TWIN FALLS – George Richard Smack, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend, passed away, at age 86, on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a life marked by faith, devotion, music, and deep love for family.

He was born February 27, 1940, in Dillon, Montana, the only child of George Riley Smack and Esther Adeline Roberts Smack. His early years in Pocatello, Idaho, were filled with simple joys—camping in the hills, swimming in City Creek, riding sleds down Whitman Hill, and playing neighborhood games until dusk. Even as a boy, his love of music began to emerge, nurtured by parents who sacrificed to provide voice lessons and opportunities to sing.

As a young man, Richard moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed a deep love for the outdoors—hunting, fishing, branding and driving cattle on the Diamond A Ranch just outside of Jarbidge, Nevada, with the Barton family who welcomed him as their own. These experiences helped shape his character and remained among his most cherished memories throughout his life.

He attended Brigham Young University, where he pursued music and sang in the A Cappella Choir and Male Chorus. It was there he made a defining decision—not to pursue a professional singing career, but instead to dedicate his life to teaching, family, and faith.

On July 14,1961, Richard married his sweetheart, Rita Larsen, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Their marriage was a partnership of love, faith, and mutual devotion that spanned over six decades. Together they built a home centered on family, service, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Richard’s life’s work was teaching choral music in the Twin Falls School District, where he taught for 31 years. He inspired generations of students, many of whom went on to become musicians and teachers themselves. His choirs performed for U.S. presidents, traveled internationally, and consistently achieved excellence. He cherished the relationships he built with his students above all, and the opportunity to shape their lives through music.

He and Rita raised six children, Shelley, Ti, Amy, Ted, Jennifer, and Kate, creating a home filled with music, hard work, laughter, and faith. Family life included camping trips, ranch adventures, waffle breakfasts at Twin Falls Park and shared experiences that built strong bonds and lasting memories. They were later blessed with grandchildren and had great joy in watching their family continue in faith and love.

After retiring from teaching in 1999, Richard continued to live a life of creativity, passion, and purpose. He created thoughtful personalized cards for family and friends—small but meaningful expressions of his enduring love. He wrote western poetry, researched and collected poetry and literature of the American west. He taught himself photography and photographed the west and the lands he loved.

Richard served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. In his later years, he and Rita served as missionaries in the Twin Falls Family History Center, helping others discover their family lineage and strengthening families across generations.

Richard was sustained as Bishop of the Twin Falls Seventh Ward in 2008, and served until 2012, at which time he was sustained as the Patriarch of the Twin Falls East Stake. He truly enjoyed serving as both a bishop and patriarch; just as he had as a teacher, he loved working with the youth. He was pulled in a wagon on the Trek to Martin’s Cove, told stories at Girls’ Camp, and loved meeting with and getting to know individuals and families in their homes. As a patriarch, he prayerfully prepared for each blessing and was conscientious about the atmosphere in his home when people came to receive a blessing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Riley and Esther Adeline Roberts Smack; one daughter, Shelley Smack Nelson; and one great-granddaughter, Rylee Rae Nelson. He is survived by his wife, Rita Larsen Smack; his children and their spouses, Brad Nelson, Ti and Jevonne Smack, Amy Ellsworth and Mike Lynch, Ted and Julie Smack, Jennifer and Paul Burnier, Kate and Brian Charlesworth; 29 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

Richard will be remembered for his gentle nature, quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering love for his family. His life was a beautiful composition—one of devotion, service, and music—and its melody will continue to echo in the lives of all who knew him.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Twin Falls Idaho East Stake Center, located at 2085 S. Temple Drive, in Twin Falls, where family and friends will be received from 5 until 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 4, and from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral service on Tuesday. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/v1hCwhHLkLw.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Condolences for George Richard Smack

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Mary Lu Barry:

Dick was such a wonderful teacher and an esteemed colleague. I like to think that the music he loved so deeply is still echoing—carried in the voices of his students and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.

From Heather Redman Etcheverry:

On behalf of the Redman family, our deepest condolences. Heather, Emily, and Alison are eternally grateful for our time as Mr. Smack’s students. What an incredible legacy!

From Melissa McCollough :

I loved singing in Mr. Smack’s choir. I will never forget being given a solo that I still remember to this day and every time I sing the song, It is Well With my Soul, I think of getting that chance. Mr. Smack, is now well with your soul. May your wife, family and community find solace in knowing you were loved and will be profoundly missed.

From Gale Carlock:

I loved him as a choir teacher for three years. He loved what he did. You will be missed Mr. Smack

From Carrie (Carlock)Duke:

I was in school when Richard taught choir I never took choir but I loved going in the music hall and hearing his choirs sing including his madrical group he had.

From Jeff Stearns, Class of 1991:

As a former student of Mr Smack, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends, and offer up my simple prayers for comfort, peace, wisdom and healing.

Many of my fondest memories come from my time spent under his teaching.

He was much more than a teacher to his students. He was a mentor, a friend, and an example to be followed.

He saw the potential in each and every student, even when they couldn’t see it themselves, and he wouldn’t rest until he had showed them that they were capable of so much more than even they thought possible.

Thank you, sir, for showing us all what servant leadership looks like, for giving us your time, your care, and your love, and for helping us all find our way through some of our most formative years.

From Evie Donnelly:

A very nice man and wonderful, respected teacher

From Lynda Ahlborn :

It’s amazing to think of how many young lives were positively influenced by Mr. Smack. He instilled a love and appreciation of music that I will be forever grateful for.

From Brent Nielson :

We love Dick. He is a great friend. He will be sorely missed. The Nielson family sends our love and condolences as you celebrate a life well lived.

From Jeannine Larsen :

What a beautiful obituary. Richard first came into my life as a Choir director and I was his accompanist and a babysitter for Shelley, Ti and Amy. He taught me so much. How lucky I’ve been to marry into the family.

From Evan Allan:

I met Mr Smack when I was a sophomore and my brother told him that I should play piano for choir but I was too shy. Mr Smack invited me in to play for him and told me I should be in choir as a junior. This changed my life as I played for him and learned how to sing. It has led to many opportunities that have strengthened my love for music. I’ve always been grateful for him to reach out like that and extend that personal invite. Thank you Mr Smack from the bottom of my heart.

From Sherry Greenup :

Sorry for your loss. I loved him as my music teacher.

From Bernt Lundgren:

Your legacy lives on through your love of all those that you have touch. My life is better because you were in my life. You help those around you how to live and enjoy the journey. May the Lord give peace to your family. You will be missed

From Scott Snow:

Great teacher and great man! So sorry for your loss.

From Kurt Snyder:

What a wonderful man. Mr. Smack was my favorite teacher. He had a lifelong impact on me. Deeply thankful to have known him. My condolences to Rita and the family, lots of great memories singing with several of you. May the Lord comfort you.

From Grant Starley:

Rita, I’m so sorry for your loss. Dick was a special man who loved the Lord and his family. We have love your family for many years. I have always appreciated you and the great support you have been to me and my family.. May the Lord bless you with comfort and Love at this difficult time. Grant and Sharon Starley

From Lawrence Wasden:

Thank you Mr. Smack. You were a great influence in my life. I love you and cherish the time we had together.

From Becky Deibert:

Thank you Mr. Smack for making such a difference in the lives of our children and so many more. You will be remembered fondly by so many. Our condolences to the family.

From Christie Maritt Low:

Mr. Smack was a pivotal figure in my young life as my choir, chamber singers, and madrigals director. He was such a kind and lovely soul and will be missed.

From Terry & Judy McCurdy:

We so love and honor the life of Richard Smack! A Christ-Like man who lead by example. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his sweet wife and all the family!!

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