CJ Patrick Smuin, 15, our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, and teammate, passed December 31, 2020. To know CJ was to love him. He will be dearly missed by all those that loved him.

CJ was born on November 10, 2005, to Pat and Nicole Smuin in Montrose, CO. In true CJ fashion, he came into this world three weeks early announcing it was, “game time.” Everything CJ did from that point on, he did big.

CJ was the youngest of three children. His two older sisters, Cierra and Reagan, adored their baby brother. He affectionately called them, “the sisters.” They were his biggest fans and supporters. They went to all his games and proudly wore his #1. They spoiled him rotten. CJ never had to do much for himself because his sisters were always there taking care of him. If he wasn’t dressed just right in the morning, they sent him back to try again.

CJ’s love for sports came at an early age. His first and most passionate love was baseball. He was so excited to play, that he would set his uniform out in the living room days before a game. From his hat down to his cleats, and he wouldn’t allow anyone to move them. He asked every day if it was time for his game. Some of CJ’s greatest memories and dearest friends were made on the baseball field. He had the opportunity to play for some of the best coaches who he grew to look up to and admire. The coach he always admired the most was his dad. The two of them shared a very special bond. CJ had the opportunity to play and be coached by his dad on the Carbon Chaos Team. It was on this team that he met his very special baseball brothers.

CJ loved the outdoors. He took every opportunity he got to be in the mountains. CJ loved to hunt, and not only did he love it but he was good at it. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, and camping. CJ spent many hours in the mountains with his cousins, uncles, grandpa, but especially his dad. He gained his love of the outdoors from him. Their favorite place in the world was the Chain Mountains in Colorado.

It was obvious to see that CJ was the apple of Pat’s and Nicole’s eyes, but it was just as easy to see the great love that he had for each of them. He loved being with his dad doing all the things that they enjoyed together.

And, he was affectionately known as Nicole’s “little buddy.” Nicole supported CJ in all that he did. She could often be found pacing the ballfield because she was nervous for him and didn’t want him to be disappointed in his performance. She mothered him with the very best kind of love, and CJ flourished in that love. Her example of love was evident in all that CJ is. He loved his parents fiercely. When spending time with them it was not unusual to see him hug them and tell them how much he loved them.

CJ was all in. It didn’t matter what he was participating in, he went after it with 110%. He was a gifted athlete and competed with great intensity. CJ was affectionately known by many, especially his family, as Peanut. But, what he lacked in physical size he surpassed in character. CJ was quiet, yet thoughtful. He was kind to others, and it was important to him that people felt accepted and that they had a place. This was easy to see in the way he conducted himself on the baseball and football field or basketball court. He was the ultimate team player. He played the game with great sportsmanship and love for his fellow teammates.

Although quiet, CJ had wit and a humor to him that not many kids his age possessed. He dished it out to everyone: coaches, teachers, friends, his sisters, and dad, but especially his mom. He never missed a chance to let her know how scary her driving was.

CJ will be so missed. His smile and presence lit up the room, and his kindness made the difference to many. He is so loved. His good example blessed many lives and will continue to do so.

CJ is survived by his parents, Pat and Nicole; sisters, Cierra and Reagan Smuin, all of Price, Utah; grandparents, Daryl Bowman (Grandma loves you, bud) of Henderson Nevada, Craig (Marlene) Smuin of Price, Utah; and many special cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and teammates.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Maurine Brown Smuin; and grandfather, Jim Bowman.

We love you buddy! Tear it Up! We will miss you forever and always.

Funeral service, Tuesday, January 5, 2021, 1:00 p.m., Carbon County Event Center (450 South Fairgrounds Way) where the family will receive friends beginning at 11:30 a.m. Friends are welcome at Mitchell Funeral Home Monday from 9-5:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Cliffview Cemetery in Price. Please observe all social distancing measures (masks are mandatory).

Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of CJ online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.