Vivian Tate Smith, 19, of Laramie, WY passed away peacefully in her sleep due to an undiagnosed cardiac condition on February 13th, 2026. Tate, a Navy brat, was born at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, FL on January 25th, 2007. She was immediately nicknamed “Tater Tot” by her parents and siblings, and proceeded to travel and live all over the world with her family including stops in Asia and Europe before moving to Laramie in 2017.
Tate enjoyed sports including soccer, basketball and swimming, but she found her true athletic calling when she joined the Laramie Plainsmen Alpine Ski Team. She loved her teammates and worked on getting accustomed to skiing fast. Tate was ardently dedicated to the team. She organized and worked at every private fundraising event, and she bravely spoke at a public hearing to defend keeping the team funded for the high school, which helped lead to the continuation of the sport at LHS. She was a persistent improver throughout each competitive season, and passionately insistent that the last skier down the hill should be cheered as loudly as the first.
Tate was also musically inclined, starting on piano at a young age and then playing the saxophone in school bands, working her way through alto, tenor and finally baritone sax, which she played in the Jazz Band at Laramie High School. She joked that she was destined for the baritone sax because she was the tallest kid in the ensemble. She also relished her auto shop classes and signed up for each one, and worked as a teacher’s assistant in her final semester. She treasured all of her coaches, teachers and mentors at LHS and always spoke of them with fondness and deep respect.
In keeping with her desire to fix complex mechanical systems, Tate enrolled at the Spartan School of Aviation Technology in the fall of 2025, working toward becoming a qualified airplane mechanic. She was getting top grades and was very excited to pursue a career in the aviation industry.
She will be remembered by her friends for being a lover of pickles, cats (especially her black cat “Dylan Pickle”), ranch dressing, Grey’s Anatomy, re-runs of The Office, rolling in her Jeep, attending concerts, playing Uno: No Mercy and being the friend able to reach things on the highest shelf. She will be remembered by everyone for her warmth, grace, beauty, and above all, her quirky sense of humor.
Tate will be sorrowfully but lovingly missed by her parents, Ryan and Shantel; her siblings, Ragan and Kaelyn; her grandparents, Alice and Richard Smith of Delran, NJ and Bill and Dana Utton of Laramie, WY. She was blessed to have many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and family friends that loved her dearly including her childhood friends from Misawa and Cascais.
There will be an open house gathering to celebrate Tate’s life on February 27th, 2026 from 4-7pm at the Alice Hardy Stevens Center on 603 E University Avenue in Laramie, Wyoming. A memorial service will commence at 6 pm. Come as you are; the family will provide food and drink in exchange for your providing a favorite memory of Tate to share with her loved ones.
Tate’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Laramie Alpine Ski Team ( Venmo: @LaramieAlpineSkiTeam ) to continue their mission to provide access to the sport to all who want to get accustomed to skiing fast.
Our deepest condolences to your family. Although many years have passed since we all stayed in Cascais, our memories of Tate is still very clear and beautiful. This weekend we looked at some nice pictures of Tate and our daughter Alice together with some other class mates hanging out at our house. Your family are in our thoughts.
We will spend our lives missing you in it. We're thankful for all the spunk and fun you always brought. Rest well and be sure to send us glimmers of you.
Her grandparents spoke of Tate (and her sisters) with such pride. The loss is unimaginable .
I was so very sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved daughter, Tate. Nineteen years is far too short a time, but in those years, she clearly brought light, love, and joy to so many. Please know that your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you hold of your daughter. With sincere condolences, Judy Drumm
Ryan, Steve and I are so sorry to hear of your daughter's passing. May God wrap His loving arms around you and your family during this difficult time.
I was Tate's I and E teacher for the past four years. She was a lovely person, and I was heartbroken to learn of her passing. Your family will be in my thoughts.
Praying for your family. Vivian was such a bright light in the auto shop and on the ski hill. So sorry for your loss and praying God will heal your hearts.
My condolences to your family. Tate was a bright light that was extinguished way too soon. Her memory will live on forevermore .
My condolences to your family. Tate was a bright light that was extinguished way too soon. Her memory will live on forevermore .
I will miss her greatly. She truly was the best. So very, very sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences. Tate would have been a fine aircraft mechanic. I will really miss her.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Shantel and family. That's quite a bio to leave behind after only 19 years. She sounds like an amazing young woman.
My dear family, we are deeply concerned before this heartbreaking situation.We have in our minds her sweet heart and beatuful smile while we had the opportunity to share time with you in Cascais.Receive our prays and condolonces from Spain.
I will always remember Tate as an adorable baby and toddler! I was lucky to get to watch Tate and her siblings in Jacksonville , FL. Prayers for your family at this difficult time.
Smith family! Our hearts go out to you and this sweet angel. We will be thinking of you all so much.
Tate was the happiest kid I ever met and a delight to coach back in her early days of swimming in Lisbon. I am so incredibly sad to have learned about this. My heart goes out to the Smith family! She was a delight then and I am find solace that she kept her goodness throughout her brief life. We were all blessed by her presence. Heaven is brighter still with her spirit. Peace.
My deepest condolences and prayers to your family. Nineteen is far too soon — my heart aches for you. May you find comfort in your precious memories and the love that surrounds you during this difficult time.
I didn’t know Tate but can only imagine the heartbreak of losing your daughter and sister. Our deepest condolences to your family. Love, the Cunninghams, Jenn, Don, Julia, Kate & Lucy
Tate was such a light on the bullsharks swim team, especially at meets when we would travel. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you navigate such a devastating loss.
I will cherish the memories of your wonderful Tate. Our condolences and love.
In this immense pain, Nando and I are close to all of you from ITALY! We pray for you!!!❤️
My condolences and prayers for the Smith and Utton families. A life cut too short is a very sad thing but it sounds like Tate lived a very meaningful life in the 19 years she had and that makes me happy. I loved to hear of her passion for the Laramie Alpine Ski Team - and happily donated in her name.
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how you and your family are feeling. I hope the memories, family and friends will get you all through this. Heaven gained a beautiful Angel.