Obituaries

Our beloved Collin - filled with joy, humor and kindness. Brilliantly smart, incredibly well-read and forever curious. An avid cyclist, runner, and lover of all things outdoors and nature, especially the mountains. Gifted, talented and comfortable on any stage, whether playing music, doing improv comedy, or acting. Animals were always drawn to him, and he to them—it was as if they had a mutual understanding of one another. He loved to cook and bake and share his creations with friends and family. He loved good coffee and was always perfecting his coffee techniques and knowledge. Collin was a natural teacher and helper, and did so in a supportive and approachable manner, always with respect, compassion and humor. His influence is vast and diverse, having touched so many people’s lives. This is the legacy he leaves behind.

Collin attended and thrived at John Burroughs School in St. Louis, Missouri. He spent his first year of college at Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ, and then concluded his college career at Carleton College in Northfield, MN. He graduated Cum Laude with his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Collin loved his time at Carleton, making countless friends, participating in improv comedy and intramural athletics and fully embracing the outdoor environment that Minnesota offered. He also made friends with many members of the Northfield community through his work as a barista at Little Joy Coffee and as a bartender at The Contented Cow.

Collin most recently worked for Epic Systems Corporation, a medical and healthcare software company in Verona, WI. While there, he formed many relationships with clients who appreciated his spirit and ability to not only educate them, but also to make them laugh. He was kind and charming, and he mentored new employees by creating a supportive, safe and fun workplace. Collin lived in Madison, WI and was proud of the many local restaurants and shops he frequented, getting to know the owners and employees, and eager to share these finds with others—he kept a comprehensive and categorized list of all of the places he went, which proved to be an excellent resource when friends and family would come to visit.

Collin passed away far too soon in a sailing accident on Lake Monona in Madison, WI on May 16, 2025. A sudden storm came up and capsized the catamaran he and 3 friends were on. All of the young men were skilled and responsible outdoorsmen, with knowledge and understanding of how to handle emergencies caused by nature. Despite all of their valiant efforts, Collin did not survive. His body was recovered one week later, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the volunteer organization Bruce’s Legacy, who were instrumental in locating and recovering Collin’s body, along with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office.

Collin is survived by his parents, Mark and Cheri, his sisters Moira, Laynie and Ava, and his beloved cat Wally. Also survived by his aunts, uncles and cousins, by many family pets, and by an enormous number of friends and colleagues. Our family is forever grateful for the incredible amount of loving support that has been shared with us, and that we continue to receive. This support and care has been the stability that held us up, and that which continues to give us strength.

We will live our lives with a Collin shaped hole in our hearts, forever. Forever will we miss his exuberant and creative spirit. Forever will we miss his sharp wit and ability to quote movies and memes and make us all laugh. Forever will we miss his style, charisma and drama. Forever will we miss his diplomatic way of problem solving and resolving issues with courtesy and skill—while always adding humor to brighten the mood.

Collin lived his life by the mantra, “ask for help in a way that people want to help you.” It guided him to be kind and respectful, and to have consideration for others and treat them with love, compassion and dignity. May we all strive to live our lives with this same outlook, and treat one another with kindness, share love for one another, and offer our gratitude for the many gifts and privileges in our lives.

Ever since he was young, Collin had the ability to find smiley faces in spontaneous places: in the clouds, in a smattering of pebbles on the ground, in drops of water, and once even in how his paprika spilled on the counter. He was the smiley-est kid, and in every picture of him when he was young, he is grinning. As a toddler, we called him “Cy Smiley”—his initials are CYS, after his great grandfather Clarence Yeargain Smith, who went by the name “Cy”.

Spontaneous smiley faces are always around us. Please think of Collin and our family when you see them. Take a picture and send it to the Instagram account set up in Collin’s memory: @c.y.smiley

A Celebration of Life was held for Collin on June 14, 2025, at John Burroughs School. You may view the recording of it by searching on YouTube for "Collin Yared Smith Celebration of Life”.

Our family asks that you seek opportunities to add Collin’s spirit to your daily living by forming friendships with others, by offering help to someone who may resist asking for it, by taking care of the earth and all living things, and by adding smiles and humor to your interactions.

Our love for Collin is infinite, and we know he is always smiling on all of us and his spirit is forever with us. He rests now in love and peace, forever watching over all those whose lives he touched.