Daniel J. Smith, 45, of St. Johnsbury, passed away at home early Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was diagnosed with cancer at the end of August. He was born in St. Johnsbury on June 28, 1968, the son of Dale and Suzanne (Hayes) Smith. Dan graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy with the class of 1986. He was predeceased by his father in July 1998. Dan was a craftsman known for his creative ability and his meticulous attention to detail in everything he built. His interest and talent for construction began at a young age. After high school, he was employed by area contractors, Michaud and Foley, and Hooker Construction before starting his own business in 2002. Always a soft spoken man with a gentle and kind heart, Dan was an avid outdoorsman who greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He and Staci shared a love of travel and filled their life together with many adventures, including hiking in Alaska, sightseeing in Ireland, and skiing in Aspen. They would often take their Jeep for trail rides at their camp, or with friends in the Vermont Jeep Association. Hunting, snowshoeing, canoeing and kayaking were all sports that held much enjoyment for him. He is survived by his best friend and soulmate of 10 years, Staci, whom he married Aug. 2, 2010; son Remington Smith of St. Johnsbury, son Pvt. Tanner Smith stationed with the Marines in Meridian, Miss.; his mother Suzanne Smith of St. Johnsbury; his brother Daren Smith and wife Tara of Richmond and their children Cameron and Leah; his sister Michelle Smith and her partner Tristan Henderson of Burlington; many aunts, uncles, and their families. He is also survived by Staci's family: her daughter Maeghan Whitcomb of Sheffield; her mother Nancy Young of South Wheelock; her father David Young and wife Jacqueline of Sebring, Fla., her grandmother Florence Meigs of Passumpsic; her sister Ginger Therrien and husband Timothy of Danville and their two children Lillian and Zachary; her brother Adam Young of Concord and his son Gavynn. Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home this Wednesday evening, Dec. 4, from 6-8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated this Thursday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church located on Main Street in St. Johnsbury. Burial will be at a later date at the Danville Green Cemetery. Memorial contributions, marked for Hospice, could be directed to Caledonia Home Health, 161 Sherman Dr., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. Memories and condolences may be shared privately at www.saylesfh.com. The Sayles Funeral Home is located at 525 Summer St. in St. Johnsbury.