Matthew "Matt" Aaron Smith

Matthew “Matt” Aaron Smith, 51, passed away unexpectedly due to a pulmonary embolism on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 in Prescott, Arizona. He was born February 1966, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Charles “Gene” and Joyce (Stockton) Smith. After settling in Prescott in 1984, Matt worked as an apprentice plumber before becoming an electrician. During his apprenticeship, he met Chris, his co-worker and future wife of 28 years. They married on March 31, 1990 at the Hassayampa Inn in Prescott, and were blessed with the birth of their son Wyatt several months later. For years, Matt worked as a Journeyman Electrician before being hired by Yavapai County as a Trades Specialist. He loved a good challenge and could fix almost anything with his bare hands, as long it didn’t involve snakes, which rightfully terrified him. Matt was quickly promoted into the County’s Electrician position, and celebrated 5 years of service with the County in 2017. As fate would have it, Matt and his wife Chris (who has worked for the County’s Human Resources Department for 13 years) parted as they had met, as loving co-workers. Matt was a caring and devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend and co-worker who will be deeply missed.  He is survived by his wife; Chris Smith, son; Wyatt Smith, stepson; Dace James Hines; mother; Joyce Smith, brothers; Bert (Jan) Smith, Robert (Sherry) Morris, sisters; Michelle Opheikens, Vicki Ostler, and Robyn (Joe) Stanczyk. Matt is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and step family members who loved him dearly. In addition to his family, Matt leaves behind many beloved friends and colleagues. Matt was an avid outdoorsman, who loved fishing and hunting (especially for elk). He recently developed an interest in bow hunting, loved golf and computer games, and laughing at videos of people doing silly things. He was passionate about sports (especially football and baseball – go Cardinals and Diamondbacks!!), and could often be heard carrying on full conversations with TV commentators as though they were in the room. Matt had a lesser-known artistic side; drawing, playing saxophone, sculpting, and other creative endeavors when he was younger. He was a kind and generous person, and frequently helped others in need; such as the time he carried his mother-in-law miles up a canyon trail after she broke her ankle on a hike.  If you’ve seen the spectacular, colorful glow of the famous Prescott Courthouse holiday lights between 2012-2017, you’ve been fortunate to witness, quite literally, the light Matt brought to the world. He had a great sense of humor, and the only things brighter than his luminous electrical work were his infectious smile and laugh. Rest in Peace, Matt. We love you.