CLEARFIELD -- In a world often looked at as black and white, Garrett Smith brought a lot of color.
That is how Tom Adams will remember his friend and co-worker at Petzl America in the Freeport Center.
From the stunning pictures he produced and shared with the world to the adventurous way he spent his time, skiing in the backcountry and rock climbing, Smith was someone who enjoyed living.
"All the things Garrett did, he did at a high level," Adams said.
Smith, 26, of Salt Lake City, died Sunday after an avalanche buried him on a mountain in the Manti-La Sal National Forest the day before.
Smith was one of seven skiers in the backcountry Saturday morning, and all were rescued hours after the avalanche in a steep bowl on Horseshoe Mountain.
After those who were with him administered CPR for hours to revive him, Smith was unconscious but breathing when he was taken off the mountain. However, he eventually succumbed to the injuries at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo.
Adams said the skiers did all the right things to take precautions but were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"Garrett is leaving behind a wife that's just as great as him," Adams said of Molly Barker Smith. "We wish her the best of luck."
In a statement from his family, Garrett is portrayed as someone who will certainly be missed by his loved ones.
"Garrett was a fun-loving, thoughtful, honorable husband; a doting uncle, son and brother who was totally dedicated to the love of his life and chasing their dreams together," the statement said.
"Garrett and his loved ones loved being in the backcountry. They took every known precaution possible and did everything right, but all risks cannot be mitigated."
His friends agree with the family.
"He was passionate and lived life to the fullest," said Nazz Kurth, sales director at Petzl America. "He left an impression with anyone he met."
For the past two years, Smith worked in customer sales support at Petzl America, a manufacturer of climbing gear, caving gear, work-at-height equipment and head lamps.
Just like in his outdoor activities, Smith, who spoke Spanish fluently, worked hard at his day job.
"He had a great connection with our South American dealers," Kurth said. "There has been an outpouring of condolences from our dealers in South America. Everyone who knew him was touched by him."
Adams also worked with Smith for three years at Liberty Mountain, a wholesale distributor of outdoor camping and climbing equipment. During those years working together, Adams learned a lot about Smith.
"He was a 100 percent dedicated person," Adams said. "Whether it was work or church or fun activities, he gave it all."
That especially includes his pictures. Smith was the founder of Hammers Inc. Photography, and its website displays amazing scenes from all over the world.
"He had a real gift for being able to capture scenes," Kurth said.
Since Smith's death, his co-workers have had a difficult time processing what happened.
But Adams said they have used the past couple of days to think about the important things in life.
"Garrett would want us to use this time to think about the ones we love," Adams said.
"We've talked about things we'll miss about him. I think Garrett would have liked to hear those things."
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