Bryan Lee Smith

He was born on December 18, 1962, to Bill and Pauline Smith in Merced, California. When he was 4, he moved with his family to Colorado. In June 1977, at the age of 14, he gave his life to Jesus. Bryan graduated high school with the first graduating class of Dayspring Christian Schools in 1981 and attended Colorado State University, graduating with a Bachelors of Science degree in agronomy in 1985. He spent 21 years with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) ministering the Good News of Jesus Christ in and out of Eastern Europe. It was here he met his wife Laurie Coons, a fellow missionary. They were married in 1999.

Bryan was raised on a farm south of Greeley. He experienced family farm life and farmed two years on his own as well as held a variety of other jobs that helped form his character and excellent work ethic. During this time, he learned to be hardworking, to problem solve, and to repair just about anything. He learned by example from his parents to think and care about others and developed a heart for missions. This carried into his long-term ministry, and he was honored to help start the first YWAM work in Russia in 1992.

From his childhood, Bryan loved music, which inspired him to learn to play the guitar. He also loved to read and spent much time at the local library. As an adult, he was devoted to his church community, small-group discipleship, and studying the Word of God. He loved his family and was very involved in his childrens’ lives. Bryan was passionate about teaching English in foreign countries, creating a bridge between the local churches and the community. In fact, he was doing just that in Kyiv, Ukraine, at the moment of his passing. Now, Bryan is rejoicing face to face with his Savior.

He is survived by Laurie, his wife of 25 years; children, Michelle, Veronica, and William; parents and four siblings. He is predeceased by his daughter, Sarah Joy Smith.

A memorial service for Bryan will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Zoe’s Events Center in the Belair Room at 711 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80631. There will be a private family graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a charitable donation to the Ukraine relief fund through YWAM at https://donorbox.org/ukraine-relief-fund-6