In memory of
Kurt Eliot Smolker.
Our Kurt was taken from us. We are devastated. This site is to elevate his memory and remember him for the beautiful person he was.
If you want to share what you loved about Kurt, we are grateful for your contribution. Please use the comments.
Be kind. He was.
Beloved brother and son.
True friend and loved one.
We miss you, Kurt.
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I knew Kurt from my time at SSES. We spent many years together in French class, had many happy memories from our Quebec trip… Kurt was always kind, funny, and sweet. We stayed in touch on Facebook, and I was so happy to see all that he accomplished over the last 10 years. I was so sad to hear about his passing- he is gone much too soon. However, in the midst of all the sadness, it has been wonderful to hear everyone’s stories of how much Kurt meant to them. He was clearly loved by many.
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My heart goes out to Kurt’s family and friends. It is always heartbreaking when a young person is taken from us. I had the joy of teaching Kurt in sixth grade and watching him grow up at Saint Stephen’s. His great smile and sense of humor always brightened my day. I know he will be terribly missed by all the people in his life.
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I’ve known Kurt since we were in a cub scout troop together as kids. He was truly a kind soul through and through, which is truly hard to find today. I have very fond memories of playing football, basketball, and video games at his house as kids. As we got older, we would discuss sports, politics and fantasy football trades. My deepest condolences go out to his family. Gone too soon.
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When I heard this very sad news I had to sit down for a long time and I was simply unable to even speak for several minutes. It seems that too often the very best of us are taken from us far too young! Though Kurt was not one of my students, I always saw him in the halls at Saint Stephen’s and also knew him from my time teaching his elder brother. How unfathomable it is that so bright, kind and generous a soul is no longer with us! My heart goes out to Kurt’s family. I pray that they may find some solace in knowing how many lives Kurt made better simply by his presence n them. Aș Vergil says “sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt” There are tears for these things, and mortal matters touch the heart”. I have shed tears for his passing but I will smile again each time I remember him in the halls of Saint Stephen’s.
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Kurt was someone who was always there for you no matter how much time had passed. We grew up together and it was always nice to see how he followed what he loved. I’ll never forget all the laughs we shared from years on the playground to the hallways in high school. I think we all can say the kindness he had was out of this world. Sending so much love to all of his family. Thinking of Kurt will forever be such a happy memory.
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Kurt was in my French class at SSES. We were a tight knit bunch and Kurt was an integral part of our fun loving group. He kept us laughing French style with his funny sense of humor. I so enjoyed having him on the sophomore IQ trip to Quebec City and at the Congrès competition in Orlando. I will cherish the many fond memories of our time there together. I hope your family and loved ones will find comfort in the memories you created and shared over the years. Kurt was one fine human and he will live forever in our hearts. We are all devastated at losing you and will miss, dear friend. Rest in peace, Kurt.
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Kurt was person who was always nice to those around him, competed in anything he did at school whether it was sports or academic teams, and alway left a positive impression on those he interacted with. He was with many of us from our early days at Saint Stephen’s and know him as a nice and considerate person. Reading threads his brother shared online with those that worked with him in Colorado, it clearly showed that he continued to be that same person in his professional life. Every comment was about how he was considerate, nice, and helped out anyone he could. Myself and all of his buddies from school were heartbroken to hear the news. We all have reached out and hope Kurt’s family can find peace with time. Your son and brother was a great guy who we will all miss.
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Heartbreaking to hear of this loss. I was a grade below his brother, Harry, at Saint Stephens. I have fond memories of watching this goofy, fun loving little boy follow his big brother around campus. He was such a sweet and funny boy, I’m happy to see he grew up to be a wonderful young man, too. A tragic loss to the world and to the Saint Stephen’s family. Wishing the family peace and comfort during this difficult time. May fond memories bring solace and strength.
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I was so incredibly shocked and saddened to hear of Kurt’s death. I remember him warmly from my high school years at SSES as being someone who was unafraid to speak his mind but never did so in an unkind way. He was always a positive and insightful presence in the classes we shared and I have fond memories of our trip to Québec in sophomore year. May his memory be a blessing.
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Kurt was a comical bundle of fun loving joy at Saint Stephen’s! My heart hurts for each of you as you go through this difficult time. The photos here perfectly capture who Kurt was, thank you for sharing them. May his beautifully infectious smile be tucked in your pocket to help carry each of you through this difficult time. Our hugs, love and prayers are with you.
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I remember Kurt being so intelligent in class and so silly with that laugh of his! Walking down the halls of the upper school at SS, I could assume three things were true if I walked past Kurt: untucked polo shirt (maybe with a collar popped too), shoe laces untied and/or smudged glasses to the point where I asked him to hand them over and cleaned them myself!
Kurt was kind and had endless potential; I am so grateful to have graduated with a small class and have the ability to get to know each other so closely. This news rocked me to my core. Your SS family misses and remembers you well, Kurt. 🩷 -
Almost no one from Saint Stephens knew we were cousins, but i have always been proud to call Kurt family. When i first moved to Florida, i was in the sixth grade and my parents were trying to get me out of a very hostile school environment, so i moved states by myself at first and went to live with my Aunt and Uncle and their kids who were attending the school i would be. Kurt was closest to me in age, though i was older so we spent a lot of time together during my first month in Florida. We bickered a lot, but in a playful way, and his mom dubbed us Bart and Angelica ( a reference to the characters from the simpsons and rugrats). when my parents moved back to the state any time i would see him when i was younger i would harass him with a hug. I grew out of that sort of forced affection, but i always had a sense of pride and “thats my cous!” When i saw him in the halls.
We were never super “tight” but that doesnt matter to me, my world makes less sense knowing that the Bart to my Angelica isnt somewhere in it.LikeLike
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This news is absolutely devastating. I had the privilege of meeting Kurt a few years ago when he was a new hire at the law firm. I was so impressed with him and his work ethic. I also had the opportunity to have lunch with him before I left the firm. I so enjoyed sitting with him and visiting. He spoke so very highly of his family. I could tell he deeply loved you all. I am so heartbroken that he is gone from us. To the family, please know that he was SO very loved by so many. Just an amazing person. Keeping you in my prayers.
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Kurt was truly one of a kind. Few kids (or young men) were able to have their hands so deeply in so many interests and friends groups as Kurt was able to. He loved talking sports (namely basketball) just as fiercely as his opinions on the latest political turmoil. He could discuss his appreciation of Jimi Hendrix with as much depth as the latest novel he was reading or the case he was handling in his professional life.
Kurt was always able to laugh with his friends, laugh at himself, and serve as a net positive in any group he was handing with. An unfailingly empathetic, selfless friend who took time to call and check up without any ulterior motivations, Kurt was a friend I feel lucky to have stayed in touch with well after our high school graduation.
I will forever remember Kurt fondly and with gratitude despite the sadness we all feel for his loss. Love you buddy. -Sam
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Kurt was a beautiful, kind, generous, gentle soul who had a knack for helping. His sense of humor, innate ability to read people, passion for democracy, and jovial nature lead me to always enjoy his company. To think that he was taken from this earth so young, breaks my heart. I so wish my kids knew him. He was an amazing uncle, brother, son, and friend and the world has lost a truly remarkable person.
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I still can’t believe my sweet, amazing cousin is gone. Let’s all try to carry forward his spirit of kindness and humor in the decades to come.
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Kurt had just joined our basketball tribe up here in Nederland. In case you don’t know, Kurt was a hell of a player and we were looking forward to many more years of his competitive spirit, challenge, and energy. All those pictures (and memories) you’ve gathered are phenomenal. Not everybody does it, but really seems like Kurt net-added value to the world and those around him with the time he was here. Will miss you Kurt.
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I remember how much joy Kurt brought to Rosemary, his grandma, our matriarch. He had her laughing so hard every time they were together
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Our favorite memory of Kurt was of a lovely, warm summer night in the mountains on our deck with a bottle of really good scotch, talking, telling stories, laughing and just enjoying a rare evening of getting to know a wonderful young man. Our sincere condolences to all his family and friends.
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Kurt was a spectacular human being, the most happy and energetic person I know. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be trained and work closely with him to learn how to be the most successful case manager I can be. There was never a time I couldn’t ask Kurt for help. I could ask 50 questions a day and he was always thrilled to help guide me and teach me. I will forever miss our daily walks on lunch and getting lunch with our team together. You never failed to make me laugh or help remind me through the stress of life that we should all take a deep breathe and have a laugh. You are so incredibly missed Kurt. What a light you were in such a dark evil world. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to all of Kurts family.
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With fondness, I recall talking with Kurt several times while he lived with Harry and Roxy in our Magnolia Road mountain community (about four years ago). Memorable occasions include Cinco de Mayo parties and a neighborhood Thanksgiving celebration. We talked a lot about our career paths as we both were in the legal field. He was working at the DA’s office and considering law school at the time. I shared with him how much I liked being a paralegal.
Kurt moved to Boulder and there was a long gap due to Covid-19, but then there was a big celebration at Rox and Harry’s in June of 2022. As John and I were leaving, Kurt went out of his way to talk with me. He shared how happy he was working as a paralegal. I will always remember his kindness. I am very sad for his tragic loss, but will always remember him in a positive light just as he was in that summer day in 2022. Wishing all of his family and friends much peace and healing light.
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We lived just next door to Kurt during this past year. Kurt wasn’t easy to get to know, but he always made us laugh and smile as he passed us on our front porch, coming and going. Often headed out on his bicycle or to play basketball. We know he loved every single dog that came by on our busy pedestrian street. We know he sometimes slept wrong on his curly hair. The Sunday before Kurt left us all, we were up sitting on our balcony when Kurt came along. He looked up at us and waved with a big smile. It caught us by surprise and warmed us deeply.
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Kurt was my mom’s first cousin’s step-grandson. I met him at a Christmas party one year in Florida. Despite the very distant (and kind of strange for someone his age) relationship between us, he rolled with it and we became Facebook friends. We corresponded over the years about college and classes he was taking in political science (I’m a professor), Covid, “kids these days”, and, most notably, politics. I found him very thoughtful, warm, and engaging. I always enjoyed hearing his opinions and his take on the issue of the day. My heart goes out to the entire family, especially Lori and his brothers, and all of his friends who knew him. Such a tragedy.
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As Kurt’s aunt, I have fond memories of his great kindness and appreciation of others, from his adorable childhood to his fine adulthood. His loss is devastating to all of us. I will always remember and love him.
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Oh Kurt. Buddy. Where to begin. I guess with I miss you. We enjoyed a 20+ year friendship filled to the brim with good times and more stories than I can count, and I hope you’ll forgive me for sharing some of the more embarrassing ones that we only ever joked about with each other. Like the time we were 16 on vacation with your family in the Bahamas and snuck out to Nippers. We thought those girls were into us but eventually figured out they just wanted a ride on the golf cart back to their place where they promptly ran inside and yelled “thanks see ya!” and shut the door in our faces. This was the same trip where I forgot to tell my parents we arrived safely so my mom called the Bahamian police who radio’d the local scuba instructor who knocked on our door at 7 am to tell us I needed to call my mom. That trip (along with your dog Layla) is the reason why I’ve always thought of Kurt and his family whenever I hear Eric Clapton. Man. Even though there were a bunch of us who grew up together, it’s uncanny (or perhaps indicative) how Kurt is there in damn near every one of my formative experiences. Cub scouts, basketball, video games at my house before and after basketball, trips together, getting SCUBA certified, seeing my first R-rated movie in the theater, Mrs. Kraft’s advisory, the school trip to the DR, driving go karts on the farm, your mom’s homemade key lime pie, playing football in the street on Bird Key, quoting Beavis and Butthead to each other to the point our other friends told us it was weird (it probably was) and telling us to stop (we didn’t). We didn’t stay in touch as well as we should have these last few years, but we picked up right where we left off. Last time we spoke you picked up the phone and said “Bobby Stanell?! I thought this might be a butt dial but I’m glad it’s not!” I’m so glad you answered what you thought was a butt dial and took the time to catch up and rehash old inside jokes. You deserve better than this buddy. I really miss you. Thank you for being a great friend for all these years and making all these memories that will last a lifetime.
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Just thinking about you, sweet Kurt, as usual. We love you so much. ❤️
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I didn’t get to have a brother. I found one instead. What Kurt meant to me is only gonna sound silly written down. I wouldn’t be the person I am without him
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Love and miss you buddy. Think about you often, you are inspiration to live a full life, be kind and generous, and spend time with the people and dogs I love.
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I got to know Kurt while I was working in Denver. He came to my 22nd birthday at Meow Wolf and would regularly stop by my desk for a quick chat.
We often rode the 16th Street Mall bus together after work, catching up along the way. During lunch, you could usually find him deep in a competitive game of chess …always focused, always having funKurt was kind, thoughtful, and more than just a coworker to me …he was a friend.
I still think about him often, even after almost two years his passing. I hope you find some comfort in knowing that he’s not forgotten.
He was good, smart, helpful, and truly made of all the best things this world has to offer. I miss him deeply and carry his memory with me.
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We remember Kurt 
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