//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpgObituary
On August 12th, our beautiful son Kaden Jacob Smith passed away as the result of a tragic accident. Born on October 18, 2009, in Boca Raton, Florida, Kaden brought a vibrant, irreplaceable light into the world that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Kaden was a talented and upcoming junior at Portage Northern High School. A dedicated musician, he brought soul and comedy to both the symphonic and jazz bands through his clarinet playing. Beyond the band room, Kaden loved shooting hoops with friends at the YMCA, catching waves at the beach, and enthusiastic gaming sessions with his friends near and far.
To know Kaden was to know joy. He was delightfully goofy, loved to laugh, and possessed a deep, authentic compassion for others. Kaden was the person who always had time for a friend in need, ensuring everyone around him felt valued and cared for. His presence truly lit up every room he entered, and his signature big smile and big hugs were a comfort to friends and family across the globe.
He is survived by his devoted parents, Anna Smith ( Maiden name, Smit) and Ernest Smith; his "Ocean dad," Audley Dean; his grandfather, Jacob Smit; his siblings; extensive family of cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends worldwide. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, JoAnne Smit.
The loss of Kaden leaves an immeasurable void, but his legacy endures in the warmth, laughter, and kindness he shared so freely. Our family finds comfort knowing that he left this world a genuinely better place simply by being in it.
Memorial Contributions In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made directly to the Portage Northern Band Program or to the official GoFundMe page established for funeral arrangements and all remaining funds will be used to establish a Memorial Scholarship in Kaden's honor at both Portage Northern High School and Portage Central High School to support future students, as he had close friendships at both schools.
We will be planning a celebration of life to be held later this year.
He will forever be in our hearts and we will cherish his every memory, until we meet again.
Please visit Kaden's memorial webpage to share condolences, memories, and photos with his family at https://www.Langelands.com