Coming together for a late friend

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