Silas W. Smith

Silas was born to the late Geoffrey H. Smith and Teresa Smith (now Harris) on Sept. 23, 1985, in Niskayuna, New York. He is survived by his mother Teresa, his stepfather Richard Harris, his brother Timothy F. Smith of Saranac Lake, his sister Joanna Smith Federici of Alexandria, Virginia, his nephews Braedyn Hewey, Oliver Smith and Jack Federici, and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

Silas grew up in Saranac Lake. He ran on the cross-country team for Saranac Lake High School, often placing in meets and competing in the Junior Olympics.

Silas had a passion for anything mechanical. He enjoyed working on engines, including boats, jet skis, skidoos and cars. With his brother Tim, Jon and Dan Gorgas, and Seth Hough, he went on many road trips to buy and rebuild more than 20 cars. His Uncle Skip gave Silas his first Sea-Doo, which set Silas on a course of fun and adventure all over Sacandaga Lake and, later, Saranac Lake.

Silas had a special bond with his only sister Joanna. The two shared a deep friendship throughout their lives.

Another of his passions was computer technology. With the help of his Uncle Tony, he earned several certificates including a certification before graduating high school. This qualified him to become a computer technician at a small computer technology firm in Portland, Oregon for several years during his twenties. In his spare time, he enjoyed modifying both computers and engines. He often competed successfully with other avid computer over-clockers in his thirties.

Silas framed his life and love of the outdoors through his passionate work on farms across Vermont. He worked on a blueberry farm and found an outlet for his love of animals at other farms, tending sheep and chickens, as well as unique and exotic birds and camels. He participated in the production of maple syrup while showing himself to be a strong farm hand by fixing tractors and other farm machinery, repairing fences and building chicken coops and other animal shelters.

Silas was an accomplished mountain climber like his father. The two traveled cross-country, hiking and climbing at national parks along the way. He made one-day, solo ascents of both Mt. Rainier and Mt. Shasta. He also did many ski ascents of Mt. Marcy and was one of the youngest people to do so at the tender age of 7. His continual dream was to complete the Long Trail. He hiked many sections of it over the course of his life.

Silas was also an excellent swimmer and competed in races in such places as Lake Tahoe.

Overall, it can be said of Silas that he was an athlete who excelled and pushed the limits of his body in hiking, climbing, skiing, swimming, bodybuilding, biking, skating and running.

He was an excellent son, brother and uncle and loved by all his aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides of the family. He was chosen by his Uncle Greg and Aunt Jen to be a nanny for their triplets, showing great responsibility and love in caring for them.

One thing that set him apart was his deep and abiding love for God and for his fellow man even during times of his own personal struggles. His Uncle Randy and Aunt Tricia gave strong support to Silas during these times.

Recently in his journal, Silas wrote, “God, it is amazing to see your true work in action! Not anyone like you Jesus. First off, I want to thank you for all the goodness and mercy over the course of my young life.”

Silas will be missed by friends and family. He possessed a true pioneering spirit, and was a true son, a true brother and a faithful friend with true generosity of heart, someone who would give you the shirt off his back or a piston out of his engine.

Friends and family are invited to come to Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Saranac Lake, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, to share stories about Silas and comfort one another, followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Charter House Coalition (27 North Pleasant St., Middlebury, VT 05753 or www. chcvt.org) or to the Middlebury Regional EMS (www.middlebury911.org/donate).