Nathaniel Burr Smidt, an extraordinary individual, was born on August 28, 1956, in the charming state of Connecticut, where the warmth of his devoted parents, Betty and Burr Smidt, lovingly initiated his life's journey. As the youngest of four siblings, Nathaniel Burr Smidt grew up enveloped in a tight-knit family unit, comprised of his three siblings, Jody, Amy, and Michael, with whom he shared an abundance of cherished memories that would forever be etched in his heart, creating a foundation of love, support, and lifelong bonds.
As Nathaniel's life journey continued to unfold, he had the extraordinary good fortune of encountering the love of his life, Nina, whose presence would soon become the defining thread woven throughout the tapestry of his existence.
It was the year 1983 that witnessed a pivotal moment in their lives, as they committed to each other through the sacred institution of marriage, thus commencing a lifelong odyssey of love, trust, and companionship.
This union, a true blessing from the heavens above, was soon to be enriched by the arrival of four precious bundles of joy, each one a distinct and extraordinary gift from the universe. The arrival of their children, Lisa, Trevor Burr, and Maia, brought an unparalleled sense of joy, fulfillment, and purpose to their parents' lives, forever changing the trajectory of their existence.
Nathaniel's unshakeable devotion to his family was a poignant manifestation of the profound depth of his affection and unwavering commitment. He held every instant spent with his cherished loved ones in the highest esteem, meticulously crafting an abundance of indelible memories that would be cherished and revered for generations to come.
Nathaniel's illustrious career was characterized by a profound and lasting influence on the cinematic narrative, as he emerged as a preeminent editor, celebrated for his extraordinary proficiency and fastidious attention to detail. His remarkable ability to weave captivating stories and his unyielding commitment to his craft garnered widespread admiration and accolades within the industry, solidifying his position as a trailblazing figure in his field.
Nathaniel, a highly esteemed and accomplished editor, made a profound and lasting impact on the world of film and television, his influence extending far beyond the boundaries of a single discipline. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the intricacies of human emotion, he possessed the unique ability to extract and distill the essence of complex ideas and emotions into visually stunning, cohesive sequences that captivated audiences worldwide. His unwavering commitment to innovation and his relentless pursuit of perfection in his craft were hallmarks of his approach, as he continually pushed the boundaries of storytelling, never satisfied with the status quo, and always striving to elevate the art form to new heights.
Nathaniel's unrelenting dedication and abiding enthusiasm sparked a fresh wave of inspiration among editors and filmmakers, his impact reverberating far beyond the boundaries of his own remarkable body of work. As a poignant tribute to his indelible legacy, his name became inextricably linked with exceptional craftsmanship in the editing room, a paragon of excellence against which others would continually strive to measure their own abilities and aspirations.
Nathaniel's life, marked by a poignant and bittersweet trajectory, ultimately reached a somber and regrettable denouement on a dismal and overcast afternoon in Medford, Oregon, a city nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, during the calendar year 1998.
