Leland Dane Smith

Leland Dane Smith, 65, loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend left Thursday, June 22, 2017, on the ultimate hiking trip where the trail never ends. He was born on October 2, 1951, in San Diego, CA, to parents Leland and Veralu "Sam" (Mason) Smith.
Dane attended Skyline High School where he lettered in football and graduated in 1970. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in psychology from the University of Utah in 1975, and
a nursing degree from Weber State University in 1990. Dane spent seven years as a successful stock broker in Salt Lake and then switched careers into health care. Dane worked for the Salt Lake Regional Medical Center for 19 years as a RN with the majority of his career spent in the Medical ICU. Dane married the love of his life Gloria (Smith) on May 20, 2000, and will be remembered for his love of his caring and adoring wife. Dane loved the outdoors and with his wife by his side, the two of them spent countless hours hiking and exploring the beautiful locations they visited in the west. Dane's love for the outdoors was also shared with his family and friends playing tennis, golf, rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and an annual trip to the desert with the "Desert Rats" who commented "may Dane's new journey include red rocks, white rims and pygmy forests".
Dane is survived by his wife Gloria; stepson Codie (Cassie) Nelson; grandsons Nicholas, Nathan, Garrett and Cole Nelson; sister Tracy (Randy) Bendixen; brothers Jeffrey "Rock" (Sherrie), Randy; his step- mother Joan Smith; and two half-sisters Alisa and Jennifer.
Dane was preceded in death by his father Leland Smith; mother Veralu Mason; and stepfather Merlin "Doc" Mason.
Special appreciation goes out to the caregivers who watched over Dane and to Inspiration Hospice and Home Health for their gentle and caring support as Dane's life came to a close.

A celebration of Dane's life will be held on June 27th from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building. A funeral service will be held on June 28th, at 11:00 am with a viewing one hour prior to services also at Starks. Internment will be at the Providence City Cemetery.