Coming together for a late friend

Thursday, October 15, 2009
Volunteers helped finish some fall chores on the farm of the family of the late Kelly Smith.

People that know him best regard Kelly Smith as a tall, kind-hearted person that dropped everything he was doing to help others in need. It didn't matter the time of day or day of week, if someone needed help, Kelly was always there to help. No questions asked.

Because he spent so much time helping others, Kelly accumulated a number of chores on his family's 40-acre farm, which was handed down for generations. He tried to finish those projects in between spending time with his wife and children or helping others in need. He had plans to finish those chores when he got the opportunity, knowing in his mind that family and friends always came first.

Unfortunately, he never got the chance.

Kelly died Sept. 16 while working on a construction site in Pocatello. He left behind his wife, Heidi Ann, and their children, Britin, Westen and Kayla, with another child on the way. With winter approaching, the family needed a helping hand.

His co-workers began talking to others on what to do. Through word-of-mouth and e-mail messages, those who knew Kelly best spread the word to others in the local community. It spread to the local 4-H and optimist clubs, the city's off-roaders group and even Mountain Home Air Force Base.

On Saturday morning, the people Kelly Smith helped over the years returned the favor.

About 100 co-workers, good friends and total strangers gathered at the family's farm to help out any way they could. They included carpenters, plumbers, electricians and anyone willing to hoist a shovel, drive equipment or help clear debris located around the farm.

See the Mountain Home News for the complete story.

More photo's available in the Mountain Home News Photo Gallery

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  • What a wonderful story-thank you for sharing!

    -- Posted by MommiezBoyz on Thu, Oct 15, 2009, at 3:47 AM
  • Awesome :)

    -- Posted by just1 on Thu, Oct 15, 2009, at 9:10 AM
  • This makes me so proud of our community and is a huge testimony of what an impact Kelly made in people's lives.

    -- Posted by myhiveoffive on Thu, Oct 15, 2009, at 9:24 PM
  • What a great community we live in i'm proud to be a part of it!

    -- Posted by localgirl on Fri, Oct 16, 2009, at 10:47 AM
  • The community of Mountain Home, time after time, has shown itself to be compassionate, giving, kind and generous! This is just another example of how such a diverse group of people can put all differences aside and come together in times such as this.

    It has never ceased to amaze me!!!!!!

    I was on the receiving end of this same type of kindness and spirit many years ago from this exceptional community and I have never forgotten.

    It is wonderful to see that it continues. Thank you to all who give so generously of their hearts!

    -- Posted by Whyarentyoulistening? on Sun, Oct 18, 2009, at 11:35 PM
  • Kelly really was a great guy, this is so nice to hear that his family is receiving some help.

    -- Posted by IdahoGirl on Mon, Oct 19, 2009, at 9:52 AM
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