Obituary of Brett R. Smith

Brett R. Smith Bainbridge, NY Brett Richard Smith, 34, passed away very unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 as a result of injuries he sustained while jogging his race horses at the Afton Driving Park. Brett is survived by: his parents, Gary and Tracey Smith; sisters: Jennifer (Adam) Safford, Sara (Jonathan) Smith and Abbey Smith; and brother, Kyle (Tammy) Smith; niece, Kennedy Safford and nephew, Andrew Smith. Brett is also survived by the horse racing community from Monticello to Tioga to Vernon to Saratoga. Brett trained and raced Standardbred horses for a living. He was well liked and respected by all other horsemen. Brett was known as friendly and smiling; always ready to laugh and lend a hand or equipment. He enjoyed his independence and liked to keep to himself, working alone in his stable. Brett developed his abilities with the horses on his own. His subsequent success training and racing them is a testament to his talent. Brett graduated from Bainbridge-Guilford High School with the Class of 2001. He was a regular at the Afton car races, only missing an event if he was racing his horses. He was an avid sports fan. Brett will be remembered as a kind soul and a good friend. He will be truly missed. A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, September 12, 2016 at the United Methodist Church of Bainbridge, 27 N. Main Street. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to New Vocations: Racehorse Adoption Program, 3293 Wright Road, Laura, OH 45337. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.