Olivier V. De Smedt

Olivier Valentijn De Smedt, age 39, of Lakewood, CO, died Monday, November 3, 2014 at Collier Hospice House. Olivier was born on February 12, 1975 in Sint Niklaas, Belgium, the oldest of two children born to Valeer August De Smedt and Maria-Louisa Theresia Temmerman. Olivier grew up in Sint Niklaas, Belgium and was recruited to play basketball at age 17 by Admiral Farragut Naval Academy high school in St. Petersburg, Florida. Olivier then spent two years playing basketball for the University of Milwaukee, Wisconsin until he transferred to Emporia State University where he graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1998. Olivier then went on to complete his Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from ESU in 2000. On September 2, 2000, Olivier was united in marriage to Elaine Ekart and they have resided in Colorado since then. Olivier worked as a rehabilitation counselor and a data analyst for the State of Colorado/Division of Vocational Rehabilitation since moving to Colorado. Olivier loved the Green Bay Packers, Waasland Beveren Soccer, and all things sports. He also loved nature and two of his favorite places to spend time were relaxing at the sea in De Haan, Belgium and spending time at River Spruce Cottages, sitting on the banks of the river at Estes Park. He also enjoyed computers, politics, research and getting a bargain or good deal. Olivier was preceded in death by his Oma, Fabienne Brijs, his Opa, Albert De Smedt, his Boma, Marie-Louise De Volder, and his Bompa, Valentijn Temmerma. Olivier is survived by his wife, Elaine De Smedt, his parents Valeer De Smedt and Maryse Temmerman, his brother Cedric De Smedt, and his father and mother in law, Dave and Alice Ekart. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Mary Ekart, Karen Graham, her husband John Graham and their two daughters Lisa Graham and Jordan Graham and his brother and sister in law David and Shana Ekart and their daughters, Lillian, Abigail and Genevieve Ekart.