Colby Daniel Smith

Highgate Springs - Colby Smith, a beloved son, father, brother, uncle, partner, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on September 19, 2026, at the age of 37.

Born on July 10, 1989, in Burlington, Vermont, to Adam Smith and Dawn McKenzie, Colby entered the world with a smile on his face and a wink in his eye that instantly brightened any room. His joy for life was matched only by his talent in the kitchen and his gift for connecting with people. Compassionate, generous, and endlessly caring, Colby was a friend to all and a steady source of support for anyone in need. To know him was to experience unconditional love.

Colby loved music, cooking, video games, sharing horror movie recommendations with his mom, arranging playdates for his beloved dog, Loki, and playing Magic with his nephew, Benet. Of all the roles he held in life, being "Uncle Colby" to Benet, Ella, and Quinn was among his most treasured. He never lost his childlike wonder and understood the value of laughter, play, and meaningful connection.

While Colby accomplished many things throughout his life, nothing brought him greater pride than being a father to his son, Wesley. The love they shared and the memories they created together were the most profound moments of his life. Wesley inspired Colby every day and motivated him to become the best version of himself.

A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, Colby worked as a chef for 16 years, before moving to Massachusetts to grow in his recovery journey, a path that transformed both his life and the lives of others. His strong connection with his family led him to return home to Vermont and pursue his master's degree as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

While continuing his education, Colby followed his passion for helping at-risk adolescents through his work as a House Coordinator with the Vermont Foundation of Recovery in St. Albans. He was also an active and devoted member of Alcoholics Anonymous, serving as a sponsor and recovery mentor. Drawing from his own lived experience, he offered hope, guidance, and encouragement to those seeking long-term recovery. His commitment to helping others build resilience, discover their strength, and create healthier futures was one of his life's greatest callings.

Colby is survived by his cherished son, Wesley; his loving partner, Kelsey Mrozik; his faithful canine companion, Loki; his father, Adam Smith (Wanda); his mother, Dawn Thurston; his grandmother, Carolyn Sue McKenzie; his siblings, Alex McKenzie (Jamie), Karen Potvin, William Simons, Christopher Smith, and Heidi Sterling; and his former wife, Rachelle Chiasson.

He also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews, Benet, Ella, and Quinn Potvin, and Owen, Isla, and Cleo McKenzie, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.

His family takes comfort in knowing that Colby has been reunited with his best friend, Hoss, a rescued dog who rescued him as well.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Colby's life at a Visitation on October 3, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Funeral Services will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Goss Life Celebration Home 89 Grand Ave Swanton. A Reception will follow at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Swanton.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Foundation of Recovery 78 Pearl Street #5490 Essex Junction, VT 05453.

Condolences, photographs, and cherished memories may be shared through the funeral home's website (www.gossfs.com).

Colby's family encourages all who wish to honor his memory to carry forward the values he lived by every day: treating others with dignity, meeting people where they are without judgment, and responding to all people with love, compassion, and understanding.

"The opposite of addiction is connection."