Norman Kay Smith

Norman Smith exemplified the quote by Plato: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” Norman’s entire life was dedicated to helping others unlock their own song of life.

He was born and raised in Delta, CO into a very musical family. His grandmother used to play piano for the silent movies and he credits listening to her improvisation to his own composer talent. He heard what others did not, including when he was an Eagle Scout he created a silly jingle about it. His mom Chuck would do musical pageants where neighborhood kids would join in; yet, the family was also an avid swim family. He became a pre-Olympic swimmer while being the Delta High band major and doing the lead as Billy in Carousel. Although he excelled in other sports, he always returned to music. He was given a full-ride scholarship to swim at CSU but chose the music program at Adams State. He was selected as a freshman to go with the senior choir to Europe. His favorite places to sing were always the cathedrals. He had great faith and felt it an honor to sing for God.

When asked at a young age what he wanted to be, he would always say a teacher. He was an excellent teacher. Throughout his 32+ years at Columbine Middle, Delta High and Montrose High, there are many who give him credit for being who they became as adults. He always believed in every person he met whether student or adult. Beating the odds of a small rural choir being chosen, he took his Star Makers Delta show choir twice to Nationals. There they took 2nd and 7th place. When they returned, the Delta community gave them a parade. He humbly stated it wasn’t me but them.

Due to severe knee issues, he was forced to retire but because needed, went back on three different occasions as long term sub. He remained a clinician, a contest judge, a guest conductor, and individual voice lesson teacher. He was a well-known composer, including writing Where the Columbine Grows for the Columbine High choir after their tragedy. He was commissioned or inspired to write for many choirs throughout the state, including the many cantatas for varying churches. He wrote for many, to many and about many. His most renowned Jesus Now is Born was written for son Jeremy who was in preemie unit. This piece is still being published. After retirement, he discovered another amazing talent of woodworking. He became quite the craftsman.

Besides God, his family was his major love and priority. Even when got terminally ill, he would make sure each was doing okay by texting or mentioning on Facebook. The saying that family is not born into but made aptly describes his view of family. Together with his wife AJ, the Smith clan accepted many into their family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ivan and Charlene “Chuck Smith”, his brothers Jim Smith and Rick Smith, sister-in laws Nita and Susan Smith, nephew Trevor Smith and only 43 days prior, the most beloved youngest son Tyler Smith.

He is survived by his children: Alissa (Mike, Hannah, Megan, Kaitlyn) Branson; Rachel (Steve Caulk, Soren, Olivia) Zenzinger; Derek (Liam, Kamala) Smith; Jeremiah (Karen) Smith; Bart (Joseph, Jacob) Palmer; Jeremy Smith; Jerusha (Elliott, Calvin, Skylar) Siegel; Angelica (Riley) Smith-Hendricks; niece Meghan (Ty, Gabbi, Jessi Ann) Gallenbeck; nephews Terrill, Aaron, Josh, Jace; goddaughters Tasha (Michael) Roettger & AmeliaWeltch, foster kids, especially Yvonne Armour & Hannah Zepp from Germany, acquired grandkids, especially Mia Bella Polizzi, friends considered family, and special x students. He was loved by too many to continue to list. He is temporarily in a long-distance relationship with his soulmate AliceJean “AJ”.

Maya Angelou stated “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.”

Norman Smith is indeed a great soul.