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Eben Smith Obituary
Eben Elliott
Smith Jr. Eben Elliott Smith Jr., 84, died peacefully on Monday, September 27, 2010, at Hospice House in Charlottesville, Virginia.
He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 16, 1926, to Eben Elliott Smith Sr. and Priscilla Dimick Crosby.
Eben lived with his younger sister, Priscilla "Suki" Christoffers, and his parents in San Diego, Los Angeles, Providence, Jacksonville and Washington, D.C. He attended St. Albans School.
In 1944 he enlisted and served in the Philippines in the 632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion, and upon returning attended Brown University under the G.I. bill, earning a B.S. in Geology.
He worked in D.C. as a cartographer with the Army Map Service from 1953 until 1962, then as an analyst at the Foreign Science and Technology Center from 1962 until 1983, where he used his cartographic skills and his knowledge of Russian. When FSTC moved to Charlottesville in 1970, he followed with his family for what he called "the best years of my life." After taking early retirement from his career, he drove a Jaunt bus, making new friends while traversing the area, then collected gypsy moth data, trekking across the Albemarle County landscape.
Over the years, Eben volunteered for numerous causes. In Northern Virginia he maintained trails through the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and assisted the Greenbelt Consumers Cooperative and Northern Virginia Fair Housing. In Charlottesville he was an active member of the Temple Beth Israel buildings and grounds committee, helped with construction on the Sunday School, and participated in Hadassah activities. He assisted Meals on Wheels, relished being an Ivy Creek trail guide, served on the Board of Directors for Citizens for Albemarle, and was a Vice President in the National Railway Historical Society. Since 2003 he has been an active member of the Unity Church. One of his most significant contributions has been to the Rivanna Trails Foundation, where he served as a founding member of the board since 1992, creating maps and historical records and helping build the loop trail around Charlottesville.
Eben met Martha Florence Rozman at Army Map Service, they married on September 1, 1957, and supported each other until her death on January 18, 2003.
He is survived by three children and their spouses, Gary Michael Smith and Debbie Smith, Gayla Michelle Mills and Eugene Mills, and Gregory Mitchell Smith and Erika Herz; four grandchildren, Justin and Talia Smith, and Cole and Kienan Smith; and a great- grandson, Leo Smith. Eben also shared his life with Cyndi Lou, Corky, Dawny, Tippy, Old Bay, Dory, and Tasha; and friends too numerous and dear to recount.
A memorial service will be held at Hill and Wood Funeral Home, 201 North First Street, 2 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2010.
The family suggests that donations be made either to the Hospice of the Piedmont or to an organization of your choice.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
ROBERT BUTZ
September 25, 2019
Eben was a kind and gentle un-assuming soul. His son, Greg is still in C'ville and I feel like he continues in his father's foot steps, also a kind and gentle soul
Jim Herndon
September 24, 2019
To this day, I remember Even and his continuous smile. He was always a joy to work with. I count it an honor to be his friend.
Mary Martha Pazos
October 12, 2010
"By his fruits you shall know him." And also by his loving gifts of whatever vegetable was in season at the time! My sister's children called him "The Corn Fairy" and we all delighted over his early morning visits to secretly leave his gifts. No visit to Charlottesville was complete without a chance to bask in Eben's loving presence. Our hearts overflow with gratitude at the privilege of sharing in his friendship, and we will miss him.
Skip Warble
October 10, 2010
EBEN SMITH-- Memories of a "Gem"
Eben's interest in geology makes it very appropriate to think of him as a gem. He sparkled, effervesced and bubbled. He was the essence of a happy, joyful soul who valued communication. Eben was a positive and supportive presence with a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious smile. I remember him as expressing a quiet, deep, inner strength and an evenness of temper. He was not one easily shook up or disturbed and, in my experience, he never "got his Toga in a knot." We had many wonderful, unforgetable times searching for steam locomotives, exploring caves, and clearing trails in the mountains.
Eben enjoyed travel, meeting new people and especially talking with them. He was a gem and highly valued. Those fortunate enough to know him could not help but recognize and benefit from the qualities and positive, supportive energy he expressed. I like to think of those qualities as facets on a rare gem. Just as each of those facets contributes to the overall beauty and wonder of the gem, so each of the qualities that Eben expressed, contributed to the uniqueness and value of the great gentleman that we all remember.
As Eben has gone "home," I like to think of him simply experiencing a greater adventure. We watch loved ones depart our presence on a plane or ship carrying them over the horizon and beyond our human view. There physical body we no longer see, but they continue on their journey. He continues his journey, his adventure and it is a comfort to know that he is at peace, enjoying this experience from the house of the Lord and his heavenly home. I can but wish him "bon voyage."
I am eternally grateful for having known Eben and benefited from the qualities that he lived. It is those qualities that will live on forever in my memory. In that sense, Eben is with us right now, to remain that lively, sparkling gem of great value. Eben blessed each of us who knew him. He made the world a better place because of his presence.
P.S. I can just imagine him already setting up shop as resident cartographer
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October 10, 2010
We will miss Eben and his wonderful sense of humor and wisdom.
Alan and Marilyn Leidecker
Troutville, Virginia
Daphne Breckenridge
October 9, 2010
It is with great sadness that his friends in Rhode Island say goodbye to' The Gentleman from Virginia'. We will miss his yearly visits. In friendship, Daphne and family.
Jim Herndon
October 9, 2010
I have been mapping for the City of Charlottesville for over 30 years. I do believe that Ebon has been coming in my office for at least 15 of those years. He was always looking for the latest maps and aerials for the City, in his efforts to enhance the local trail systems.
I don't think I have ever met anyone as kind or gentle as this dear man. I will miss his warm smile and his kind words. It was always a pleasure to have Ebon visit me. I don't think I have ever seen him without a smile on his face.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at the loss of such a dear man. Please cherish the memories as you go foward. God Bless
Ernie Wood
October 8, 2010
I worked with Eben for many years at FSTC and recently attended retiree luncheons with him and many others. He was such a wonderful man, always smiling and having nice things to say about everyone. He will be sorely missed. My condolences go out to Eben's family.
Rod and Sue Petruska
October 8, 2010
We consider ourselves fortunate indeed to have had such a wonderful relationship with El. Our adventures with him at Long & Ell Pond and throughout Rhode Island were legendary. Always such a joy to be around, his curiosity and enthusiasm were boundless and contageous! But his kind and tender heart we will miss the most. Our lives were truly woven together with great love. Our sadness is counter-balanced with his great loving presence that lives on. Much love to all. We will be with you in spirit from beloved HD.
Jan and Bob Seale-Brandenburger
October 8, 2010
We first met Eben at the City Market, and knew we'd met a few special person. Our 'rainbow maker' is working today in our window - a wonderful memory of who he was and the light he brought to the world!
At the Unity new church home celebration 120306
Robert Butz
October 7, 2010
Dear Gary, Gayla, and Greg,
Both Belle and I will miss your dad. He was a special person. We got to know him through Landmark Education seminars which he loved to participate in. Later, in Unity Church he was a long standing member of the Healing Helpers group that prayed with people in a group after our church services. He was always a very positive friendly person and we'll miss his sweet demeanor.
Love
Belle Newheart & Bob Butz
Ralph Logan
October 6, 2010
I worked with Eben for many years at FSTC,I was sadden to read about his passing,he always greeted me with a smile and something to chat about.I will cherish the many safe miles we shared,my condolences goes to the Smith family,may God bless you during your time of sorrow.
October 4, 2010
Dear Gary, Gayla and Greg,
I met Eben and Martha the first month after joining the Temple. It seemed like one or both of them were there whenever I went! Eben was amazingly giving with his time, forever helping with various building needs.
But he gave so much more than his physical abilities. Eben gave from his heart. When someone came in whom he knew, he lit up, had the warmest smile, and greeted the person in the most gracious way. It was also genuine, always from the heart.
Eben was also amazingly modest. In reading some of the comments in the Guest Book and talking with people in town who knew him, I'm learning about so many of Eben's talents, things I never knew. He had no need to tell people what he did, he was much more interested in learning about others.
He was the kindest, warmest, most giving of souls. I am sure he is resting in God's love.
-Sincerely, Russ Linden
June Seal
October 4, 2010
Dear Gary and Family,
Seeing your family 'in action' years ago impressed me with the love there. We would see your parents out from time to time and always noticed their care of one another; in recent years I would see your Dad out occasionally. He always seemed to have joy and such interest in so many things. They were lovely folks and you children are thought of today with hope for continued love, peace and joy.
June Seal
October 3, 2010
Just recently I was thinking of your family and our duck adventures with Butterball, Lillian, and their progeny. Those were happy times, and I can never forget your parents' many kindnesses to me. It was good of you to let me know -you are all still in my heart. Barbara Parks (Rochester, NY)
Sandra Palmer
October 3, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Eben's passing. I feel fortunate to have known him. Blessings to all the family.
Prue Thorner
October 1, 2010
Eben and Martha Smith were the kindest of people. They welcomed us to Congregation Beth Israel when we first arrived in Charlottesville in 1977, and that meant a lot to us. Eben had such integrity of character and a sweetness that is rare. May he rest in peace.
Prue and Michael Thorner
Kt Griffin
October 1, 2010
I was watching the prism I have, twirling its sparkling light around in my back room this morning. It is solar powered and Eben gave it to me xx18 years ago on our birthdays (4 of us shared May 16th and celebrated each year). I said a little prayer.
I continue to find notes and musings of his, plus photos documenting our trips and birthday lunches together. He was quite a historian and his love of people and interest in their endeavors was as sincere as anyone I knew. I miss him already.
Elayne Phillips
October 1, 2010
Gary, Gayla and Gregory,
I was so sorry to hear the news of your dad's death. He was a loving and gentle man, and I was fortunate to have his path cross mine on many occasions. I was delighted to read his most recent letter to the editor in the Progress. He was a man who lived his values better than most!
October 1, 2010
Pat/Johnny Faulknier
October 1, 2010
My husband and I worked with Eben for many years at FSTC. He was a fine man, with a sweet smile and kind to everyone. Our deepest heart felt sympathy and prayers goes out to the Smith family in the loss of Eben. He will be truly missed by many whose lives that he touched. God Bless.
October 1, 2010
October 1, 2010
Chuck Langham
September 30, 2010
I worked with Eben for many years at FSTC. He always had a pleasant disposition, just a VERY nice fellow, never had a bad word to say about anybody. He was involved in many worthwhile causes and had a useful, productive life. He loved his family and undoubtedly was a fine husband and father. If everybody was like Eben, the world would be a much better place.
September 30, 2010
To Greg, Gayla and Gary: The Martin family will dearly miss Mr. Smith and would like to express our condolences at your loss. Love Taber Martin and Family.
Sheila Parker
September 30, 2010
I has been an honor to know Eben in so many ways. I know he will be missed by many. His memory lives on in all those who loved him.
Sheila Parker
September 30, 2010
So saddened by Eben (El)'s death....He will be sorely missed by all that new him at Jefferson Heights.......................he contributed greatly to our Memoir writing group.To be sure, all that he accomplished will truly live after him......and there was so much he did accomplish!
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