Van Smith

Van Royce Smith, known to old friends as “Rabbit” a man of hearty laughter and candid honesty has set sail on his final journey, leaving us on April 26,2025 at the age of 68. Born on September 15,1956 in the humble town of Atchison, KS. Van’s life was a colorful tapestry woven with adventure, humor, and love.

Van spent his early years working as a boat builder in California where he developed a deep appreciation for working with his hands. His career then took a turn to the open roads where he became a truck driver. Eventually sharing his wealth of knowledge as an instructor at a truck driving school until he later retired. His career was as diverse as his personality, full of zest and a dash of sass. Van was known for his goofy sense of humor.

He enjoyed camping and fishing, being on a boat and building things with his hands. He was a huge Harley Davidson fan and loved to ride any opportunity he could get on a motorcycle. He also enjoyed traveling out of town to visit with his kids and grandkids making new memories.

Van is survived by his daughter, Heather (Brett) Arey of Davenport, IA, and his son Justin Smith Riverside, CA as well as his grandkids, Carter, Hunter, Skye & Justin Jr, his mother Marjorie Smith Albuquerque, NM, Sisters Becky Grevas-Smith Albuquerque, NM and Karen (Luis Chavez) Harrison Edgewood, NM, brother in law Guy Harrison Moriarty, NM, sister in law Norma Gordon, Riverside, CA and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Van was preceded in death by his father Roy Smith, brother Mark Smith, nephew Michael Smith and his son’s mother Lona Luckett.

Van wished to not have funeral services and wanted to be cremated. A private family Celebration of Life will be held in Albuquerque Thursday May 1, 2025.

He is Gone 

By David Harkins

You can shed tears that he is gone, Or you can smile because he has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, Or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him only that he is gone, or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what he’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.