29 August 1976 – 9 September 2023
29 August 1976 – 9 September 2023
Peacefully at home with his family on Saturday 9 September 2023, aged 47.
Deeply loved husband and best friend of Crystal.
Adored Dad of Saskia, Ashton, and Lucia.
Cherished son of Trevor (deceased) and Marian.
Heroic eldest brother of Heath and Julie, Conrad and Leeanne, and Nadine and Aaron.
Loved by all his nieces and nephews.
In preference to flowers, please consider a donation to the amazing Hospice Taranaki by following the link below.
Invited family and friends will celebrate Nathan’s life on Monday 18 September at 10.30am, followed by a private cremation.
Nathan was well known and loved by so many, and the family invite the wider community to participate in his service by joining the livestream here on his tribute page.

Condolences to the Smith family. Nathan truely was a remarkable man. A true champion of a human, that inspired everyone that came into contact with him. His passion and leadership qualities will be forever missed. we have lost a true warrior. Rest in peace my friend, you will never be forgotten. Ant
Condolences to the Smith family. Sorry to hear of the sad news. Nathan was a really nice guy.
Marian, I am so sorry. I'm glad you have lots of family around you. Unfortunately i didn't find out in time for Alison and I to share in the service for Nathan. Thinking of Trevor and our love to you, Nadine, Conrad and Heath.
It has been our great fortune to have worked with Nathan, and enjoyed and valued his friendship over a period of more than twenty years, starting back in our Base Hospital days. Nathan’s inclusion in our bottom of the league five-a-side football team seems to have been his only sporting failure. It was a privilege to be able to hear the brave and beautiful eulogies at the service, and witness the enviable family closeness and enduring bonds of mateship. The many online tributes paint a well-deserved picture of a remarkable man, held in very high regard by all who came into contact with him. Even as a younger man Nathan inspired people, and that has continued to grow over time. That inspiration will not stop now, and when those of us lucky enough to have known him face challenges in our own lives in the future, Nathan’s remarkable strengths will still be there to inspire us.
I first met Nathan at University in Dunedin before running into him again in the cycling world. No words seem sufficient to explain the all-round fabulous, fun and incredibly well adjusted person Nathan was. He was held in the absolute highest regard by anyone lucky enough to meet him, no matter the context. He just had this incredible way of enhancing people’s lives wherever he turned his attention. Much love to you all x
Thinking of you all in this tragic loss. A life well lived but so very sad it is over far too soon. Sending our deepest condolences and love. Take care Maree and Brent
I have fond memories from when living across the road from the Smith family in Hawera. I hope you all can treasure the memories you have of Nathan. My thoughts are prayers are with you at this sad time. John 5:28, 29
Nathan was truly an inspiration. I started working at Mackays Unichem Pharmacy as a young pharmacy student wanting to gain work experience for the first time. I worked closely alongside Nathan for three University summer holidays. Nathan played a significant part in shaping me into the fully registered pharmacist I am today. Nathan was my mentor - not only did he teach me fundamental pharmacist skills, but he also taught me the importance of respect, empathy and people skills - to which I now use and show every day in my pharmacy practice. I will forever be thankful for the experiences and knowledge Nathan shared with me. I will always remember him as my mentor and hope to share the skills and values he taught me to others. Sending my deepest condolences and love to Crystal, Saskia, Ashton, Lucia and family.
To Crystal, Lucia, Ashton and Saskia, All my love, thoughts and prayers to you. What an incredible, amazing, heroic man you were sooo lucky and blessed to call your dad and husband. He will forever be in your hearts, thoughts and memories as his spirit will continue to surround you in your journies and future endeavours. Aroha nui, Tracy xxx
Very sad to hear that Nathan has passed away. I worked with him in Base Hospital when I first arrived in New Zealand. I will always be grateful for how welcoming and supportive he was to me, He was a very talented pharmacist and an amazing sportsperson, but above all he was a very humble and friendly man. My thoughts are with the family. Rest in peace Nathan. Ger Jones
Our deepest love and condolences are with you all at this sad time. Nathan was a great man who we respected a great deal, I have found memories of Nathan but one that stands out is when he turned up in Putney, England and joined in a social game of touch rugby like it was nothing with his prosthetic leg! And to his credit he was still the best player out there. It was a great afternoon in London and he was shining as bright as the afternoon sun, showing us how, without words, you get on with life when the unexpected happens. This was a testament to the man, the ordeal he had overcome in such a short amount of time and carrying on life with his usual vigour and positive demeanour was quite remarkable. He was a leader of people, a positive influence on everyone he met and the world is a lesser place without him in it. He will be sorely missed by all, we will remember him as we try to reach and aspire to be half the man he was. Kia Kaha Arohanui Stef and Les
I was fortunate team mate and friend of Nathan from when he joined us at Oxford Harlequins. A true leader, a good man full of support and endless encouragement to all those around him. He was an inspiration to us all, and above all - a good human, Giving all our love and support to the Smith family at this time and in the future. Elio, Liz and the girls
Really sad news to learn to know we have lost a good one too soon! My deepest thoughts to Crystal and the entire Smith family. It was a pleasure to have shared time with him and Crystal when they were in the UK. This guy had it all, smart, good looking and excelled in everything he put his hand too. The drive he had was truly inspirational and i know we all have been able to now look at life in a better way because of him. You will be missed but never forgotten my friend. Sending my love to you all. Nutty
A good man gone to soon. My deepest sympathy to Nathan's Family and Friends.
So incredibly sad to hear of Nathan’s passing. I remember him as someone with the X factor, a popular leader and lovely person to all. My love and thoughts to the whole Smith family at this very difficult time xx
The gentle giant of our London Para Cycle Team taken way to soon. The brave family man who touched may hearts, with strong courage and determination. Lots of love to Chrystal and the children and the rest all the family. xx
Crystal, Saskia, Ashton and Lucia, I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I played with Nathan at Oxford Harlequins, and in that time he had a huge impact on everyone who played with him. Primarily, a great bloke, with a sharp rugby mind and an infectious personality, I often think back to that period of my life, and whilst we only shared a couple of seasons together, Nathan is one of the first people that springs to mind. The way he dealt with adversity and came back stronger was an inspiration for all, and when I saw him representing New Zealand in the Olympics it didn't surprise me but inspired me more. A man I will tell my children about for years to come. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and know that he has left an indelible mark on many people's lives. Will Houston
To Crystal and the Smith family, our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I first met Nathan playing social touch rugby on Sunday mornings behind the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. This unassuming guy just turned up and asked if he could join in. After a couple of weeks of playing touch together I asked him if he would be keen for a run with Oxford Harlequins as it was clear that he was a bit talented. After that, I had the privilege to play a couple of seasons with Nathan. He was a humble, kind and just all round terrific guy who always had a huge smile on his face. RIP Nathan, you will be missed. Ben (aka Basil), Anna and Aaron
I had the great pleasure to play a lot of sport with Nathan and his brother Heath. Nathan was a true leader, great competitor and a bloody good guy. Many people know of Nathan’s sporting success on the rugby field and the velodrome, but he was also an excellent cricketer. We both made the first XI at a pretty young age and soon became senior members of the side. He was made 1st XI Captain and set new set of standards to achieve which were not there in the past. He took a young and talented team and got us promoted from 4th Grade to 2nd Grade in two seasons. We also had the most successful Gillette Cup run (at the time) eventually losing to New Plymouth Boys High who made the Top 4 in New Zealand that year. Nathan’s leadership through this time not only made the team better, by taking the pressure off the stars in the team, but also getting the best out of the other members of the squad. We probably didn’t know it at the time but that team and Nathan’s driving force created a legacy for Francis Douglas Cricket. It created the platform for the really talented cricketers like Conrad, Scotty Ireland, Ryan Fleming & Daniel Bolstad to achieve much higher honours. I think one of the best attributes of Nathan was the ability to get on everyone’s level, in a friendly and approachable way. I didn’t meet up with him many times after school but whenever we did it was always a good catch up, a good chat about family and life, and a good laugh. To the Crystal and the Smith family, our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. RIP Nath, we will all miss you mate. Johny Kale, The Kale family and the 92/93/94 FDMC 1st XI team.
Nathan you will be sadly missed by us and many of your customers. You always greeted everyone with that gorgeous smile and kind and caring words. Our thoughts and prayers are with all your family as your loss will be devastating. May God Bless you. 🙏
Our thoughts are with Marion and the family at this tough time. Rest in peace Nathan.
To all the Smith Family, We are deeply saddened to hear about Nathan's passing. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Kevin & Karen Walsh
Marian & family The news of Nathans passing is just so hard to comprehend. As others have stated it just seems so unfair. I am sure as time passes you will gain strength from the lovely memories you will have of Nathan and what he has achieved during his 47 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Crystal Saskia Ashton and Lucia Our heart is broken for you all losing Nathan and your loved Dad So tragic losing such a wonderful man so young Thinking of you all so much Marian and Family Our deepest sympathy to you You are very much in our thoughts too Murray and Gaye Gibson
To Crystal, Lucia, Ashton, Saskia and whānau, We have been thinking of you all and are so incredibly sad about Nathan's passing, it seems so unfair. Sending you so much love as you navigate your way through this difficult time, Kaz, Nesta and Pearl xx
Marian, Conrad & Family, We were shocked to read this devastating news. Our thoughts are very much with you all at this heart wrenching time.
We send our deepest sympathies to all the Smith family on the passing of your beloved and inspirational Nathan. Our love and prayers are with you all. Ian and Clare
Sending so much love and support to the entire Smith family at this heart breaking time. I will forever cherish my years working at Mackays with you Nathan, never a dull moment, you are such a kind hearted, caring man with a great sense of humour taken far far to early. You will be dearly missed by all that have been lucky enough to have crossed paths with you, the memories I have I will cherish forever. Sending all the strength, guidance and love you need to get through this devastating time.
Dear Conrad On behalf of all from CSM in France, our most sincere condolences to you and all your loved ones for your loss. Our thoughts are with you all. Kia Kaha
Dear Marion and your wider family, we are saddened to read of Nathan’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you all. Dale and Michael Sheehy
Marian so sad to hear of your loss, big shock must catch up soon. Brian & Kay Harvey
Nathan, you were so kind and helpful to me for all of my time whilst I was a GP in Stratford. Patients loved you. I loved your smiling friendly face...and wise knowledge. You always made time to research questions I raised. You lived life to the full, and I am so grateful you have been a part of my life. Thankyou. Stratford is made up of a close knit community, and you will be sorely missed by us all. Both Katie and I send your family our love. Duncan
Dear Marian and family our deepest sympathy to you all.
It is with great sorrow that I heard of the loss of Nathan. My connection to Nathan was through FDMC and the 1st XV. Nathan was a fantastic man that was always there and a real team man and I’m sure that wouldn’t have changed but my most endearing memory of Nathan was his disarming smile that was infectious. Nathan you were a good man and will be dearly missed.
My thoughts with Nathan family, so sad to hear this today
Dear Marian and family so sorry to hear of your your sad loss ,our thoughts and prayers are with you Mark & Mary William's
To the Smith family so sorry to learn of Nathan’s passing. Please accept our sincere sympathy our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Nathan was an incredibly talented and competitive sportsperson, and a well-loved member of the Paralympic Team at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. A dear friend to many, at Paralympics New Zealand we remember him as a natural leader, bringing mana, kindness and fun to team culture. He really was one of the nicest and most fun people you could ever hope to meet. His passing is a huge loss to all who knew him. Sending our love to Crystal, Saskia, Ashton, Lucia, and Marian, and all the Smith whānau and friends at this difficult time.
To Marian and family, we were heartbroken for you all when we read of Nathan's passing. Another good guy taken way to soon. Please accept our sincere condolences this very sad time. Linda & Wayne Jury
To the Smith Whanau and Staff at MacKays Pharmacy Deepest Condolences to you at at this very sad time. Nathan always looked after us here as did all his lovely staff. Truely one of the good guys - he will be so sadly missed in the Stratford Community. Hugs to all his wonderful staff, we really feel for you all. We will miss your wonderful smile Nathan.
Deepest sympathy to all whanau on the passing of Nathan. Arohanui June and Simon Moseley
Dear all the Smith family & Mckays Pharmacy team Deepest condolences to you all at this tragic time, my heart breaks for you all. Nathan was a wonderful part of the community and treasured by so many. May he rest in peace and I pray that you can find strength in the wonderful memories you will all hold with him. Much love, Erin & family xx
Dear Marian and family, We would like to offer you our prayers and sympathy at this time with the passing away of Nathan. We are very saddened to learn of this. May he rest in best. Kind regards Bronwyn and Mike
Nathan we can't believe you are gone, you were the best coach ever and we are so glad we got to meet you and are gonna miss your face on the rugby field our thoughts go out to your family. Love Parker and Travis Manley Such a massive loss, Nathan you became someone so special to our boys and we are so glad we had the pleasure of getting to know you because you were one hell of a great human. Love Marie and Simon Manley
Dear Crystal and family, my thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you all. I was totally devestated to hear that the world had lost this wonderful man. I feel so fortunate to have met him, and shared great times cycling, fishing, doing pharmacist stuff and the occasional beer with him, always with that fantastic smile. We were so proud to see him in the velodrome at London 2012. He made a positive impact on everyone he met and is enormously missed. Kia kaha Chris Little - Liverpool
To Marian and family. So sad to hear of Nathan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We always knew Nathan as a delightful man, rugby player and friend to many. Watching him demonstrate his determination after he moved on to cycling was an awe inspiring response. He has clearly made his mark on all those he met and many in the most difficult battles. Deepest regards to his family and friends. Woody
So shocked & saddened to learn of Nathan's passing. Sharing this sad loss with sympathy & thinking of his family with special love.
Thinking of all Nathan’s Family and his MacKays Pharmacy family at this very sad time. I got to know Nathan at the Pharmacy and will miss my weekly chats with him. He so loved his family time especially holiday time, his cycling and was a very knowledgeable and caring Pharmacist to his many clients. Such a loss to his family and community and taken far too soon. May you rest peacefully Nathan
Crystal, Marion and the entire Smith family, our thoughts and sympathies are with you all. Nathan was a truly inspirational young man taken too soon. "May the road rise up to meet you and may the wind be always at your back". Rest In Peace Nathan. Dawson Family
I am so sorry to hear of Nathan’s loss. Nathan was an awesome workmate when I was working at Mackays. Always caring and had a great sense of humor, and was loved by all the customers (especially the older ladies!) Crystal, Saskia, Ashton and Lucia, thinking of you all at this time and sending strength. Hold onto those beautiful memories xx
Dear Nathan, thank you for teaching me all I know about rugby, you were the best coach I ever had, my thoughts go out to your wife and 3 kids RIP Fryer Family
To Marian and family. So sad to hear of Nathan’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Crystal, Saskia, Ashton, Lucia and the wider Smith family, Such sad sad news to hear of Nathan’s passing. I had the privilege of mentoring him as a young intern pharmacist and the honour of seeing him develop into the amazing, caring pharmacist that saw him being loved by all of his clients. His passion for pharmacy and life was truly infectious RIP Nathan
Thinking of all the Smith family at this very sad time. Deepest sympathies Coplestone farnow Republic of Whangamomona
Our sincere condolences on your loss of Nathan. Nathan was a fierce competitor in all cycling competitions and an all round great guy. We were very shocked to hear of his passings and our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family and children.
Such heart breaking news. I was privileged to be in several NZ Paracycling teams with Nathan Nathan was such a gentleman, fierce and talented cyclist and great card player I could always count on Nathan to have pre studied any area we traveled to and give us all the local knowledge Nathan you were a loved member of our team and respected and liked by fellow cyclists from all around the world Deepest sympathy to your family A Paralympian gone too soon
Crystal and family Marian and family and to the wider Smith family. Our deepest condolences on the loss of Nathan way too young. Our thoughts are with you. May the knowledge of Nathan’s strength give you all strength at this sad time. Keith Coulton and Marie Hunter
Our deepest sympathy, such a great role model always a gentleman, above and beyond was his norm. He will be greatly missed by us all. Barry and Suzanne
My deepest condolences to Marian and the family. I coached Nathan gymnastics when he was a young kid at St Josephs in Hawera. He was a very talented sports person who seem to excel at whatever he chose and he obviously went on to give back to the Taranaki community. Much respect to you Nathan.
Our family are so sorry to hear of Nathan's passing long before his time. We have long ago memories of Nathan and his family thought St Joseph's primary school, Hawera. Our prays are with you Marion and all the family at this time. RIP Eric & Diane Werder and Family.
We are heartbroken to hear of Nathans passing, a truely wonderful gentleman, and an inspiration to everyone who met and knew him, a wonderful phamacist, fly free Angel. Ivan & Beverley Lamplough Deborah Lamplough Customers
Marian and Family, Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Our son Riley was lucky enough to be coached by Nathan through Tukapa and again this year with Ross Brown. Always offering a helping hand and a truely good human. Thank you for sharing him with the Rugby famiy, he will be truely missed. Shay and Abe Haira
Again another taken way too soon, I had the pleasure of racing against Nathan and coaching Nathan as a Track Cyclist with the vision to get to the Para Olympics. This he did and could have carried on with this journey and competed in many more since his 1st in the UK. Nathan had the heart, stamina and passion of a Lion and like any sport before he became a Para Olympian. Condolences to Nathans Family Grant Wilson
To Crystal, Nadine, Aaron and the Smith whānau, we are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and sending love at this time, Nathan and Brigid Taingahue
Our deepest sympathies to the beautiful Smith family on the loss of your dear Nathan. From us all Heather, Anna and David on also on behalf of Tim Masters .
Our deepest condolences to the Smith family, We met Nathan as our pharmacist who was always happy to answer any queries and questions with a smile on his face and his great personality. We came to know our connection was a little tighter, with Nathan being a friend of our son in law who always spoke so highly and fondly of his friendship with Nathan. Nothing was ever to much to ask Nathan whenever we saw him and he will be sadly missed. Love Neil and Debbie Cooper
Words don’t begin to do justice for the man Nathan was. Deeply saddened by his passing. Nathan was a true gentleman great friend and fiercely proud of his family. I was lucky to play alongside Nath at Quinn’s rugby and I was even more lucky to call him my friend. He was an inspiration to me in the way he tackled adversity after his accident, he showed us all how to really grip and live life to the fullest. Anyone that had the pleasure and was Lucky enough to have met Nathan will be richer for it. Rest in peace my beautiful friend, all of my love and condolences to Crystal and kids and the wider Smith family. Lots of love from, Elliot, Sarah and our kids xoxo
To Nathan & family I am so deeply saddened to hear the passing of one of my old school buddy , my deepest sympathy and condolences to you all at this sad time ,rest in peace nathan mis ya mate
Nathan was a true hero in my eyes. The character and determination shown to bounce back from the shock of his accident and excel as a paralympian was truly inspirational. I had the privilege to play along side Nathan for Quins. He was as brilliant a player as he was a gentleman. Competive, fiercly determined, yet humble, down to earth and with a wicked sense of humour - a great bloke, an incredible man, a positive role model - not only to his own children - but to all of us. I'm honoured to call him a friend and devasted that we've lost him. All my love to Crystal, Saskia, Ashton and Lucia.
Condolences to the Family. A true gentleman who will be sadly missed xx Love Colleen & Pat
Dear family, Glen, Jordhan, Leo and I are deeply saddened to hear the news. Our thoughts and love are with you during this time.
Thinking of you all,Nathan will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Raylee and Graham Kelly
A sad loss. a true gentleman who's attention to my late wife's medications and associated needs was never too much trouble and was greatly appreciated. John Kearton
We are so very sorry for your loss. We knew Nathan through the chemist and he was always there to help with the needs of our sick daughter. He will be tremendously missed.
Our thoughts are with you all in your time of grief.A very special young man who will be missed by so many.


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