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Edwin Smith Obituary
Rip was born and raised in Louisville, and graduated from Atherton High School, where he played football, led the debate team, and was president of the student council. Rip graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and from Harvard Law School.
Rip had a varied and accomplished legal career. Smith was a staff attorney for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and a research associate with the Institute for Marine and Coastal Studies. He also served as U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan's Special Counsel for Foreign Policy. Smith was appointed by President Clinton as a science and policy advisor to the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and lectured internationally on United Nations-NATO cooperation in peacekeeping. For the last 36 years, he has been a professor in international and environmental policy at the University Of Southern California School Of Law in 1980.
Rip is survived by his father, Edwin, his son, Dylan, several nieces and nephews, and his close friend and former wife, Denelle. He is remembered by family, friends, students and colleagues as a kind, gentle man with a quick smile and infectious laugh. The world was benefited by his presence. He will be missed.
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Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Smith
Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.
Phyllis Gamlin
April 30, 2020
I've known Rip since elementary school and was saddened to learn of his passing. Always sensible, always admired and a tremendous scholar.
He will always be remembered fondly.
Larry Provette
August 20, 2016
Rip was one of my oldest friends. We started our own chess club in elementary school, and a major victory in my life was defeating him and saying checkmate. I will miss him as one of the rocks that define me as a person. Our Louisville roots and the gift our parents afforded us as life long friends can not ever be measured.
Always a friend- Larry Provette
wilbur coleman jr
August 13, 2016
Rip, had not heard of you until your friend and mine pulled my coat. I am impressed and quite
sure anyone,who reads about you will feel the same!
Farewell, and condolences to your family and friends.
MABLE Alexander
August 13, 2016
Dr. Smith, George and Rip corresponded on Facebook and George learned of Rip's death via Facebook. You and your family were wonderful neighbors and were admired and respected by the neighborhood. Donald, George and I are saddened about your loss. We send our deepest sympathy to you, your grandson and family members and friends.
Sincerely,
Mable Alexander
Lee Bishop
August 12, 2016
Rip's sudden death leaves a large hole in my life. We shared many joys and disappointments, and he was a supportive and wise friend. He always kept his integrity and his devotion to friends and family. We can all learn from that.
Deborah Chestnut
August 11, 2016
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. I KNEW EDWIN IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. HE WAS SO SMART, A GENTLE GIANT, & WELL LIKED. MAY GOD GRANT YOUR FAMILY PEACE.
Rita Ennis
August 10, 2016
The world has lost a wonderful person. Rip and I were friends in our school years both at Shawnee Junior High and Atherton High. I was a year behind him, but we knew each other well through Red Cross volunteering, speech club/contests, and student council. Rip set a high bar of excellence in everything he did, and I was proud to know him. Everyone around him knew that he was a truly remarkable human being. Really, I idolized him, and knew that he would achieve great things. We stayed in touch through college and for some years after, but last spoke around 1986-87. At that point he was on a track of both heart and accomplishments in adulthood that proved the potential that he demonstrated early on. I regret that we weren't able to stay in touch; it's obvious that he went on to positively influence many and make significant contributions, leaving the world better than he found it, for sure. I express my sorrow and condolences to his family and his many more recent friends and colleagues.
Nicholas Gardner
August 10, 2016
On behalf of the Atherton HIgh School Alumni Association, our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Rip is a member of the Atherton Hall of Fame and has represented us as a champion
I was a few years behind Rip, but he always took the time to speak with me and he was widely known for his wisdom and kindness
Please let me know if we may be of help to your family
Nicholas G. Gardner, President
Atherton High School Alumni Association
3000 Dundee Road
Louisville, KY 40205
502-485-8202
August 10, 2016
My first remembrance of "RIP" he was in college and I had the pleasure of meeting him at his parents home for his sister's wedding with my then husband George L Johnson. I smile at the thought.
My prayers to Edwin "Rip's" family and son.
Donna Rankins Johnson
Sharon Zimmerman
August 9, 2016
I only met Rip once at the Atherton Hall of Fame induction. As a member of the Hall of Fame Committee, i learned of his important work and his wonderful personality. Betty Miles was very excited when he was inducted. She knew him from the time he was a student. Please accept my sincere sympathies in your time of loss.
Fran Woodward
August 9, 2016
I send much sympathy to Rip's family. Even in high school, Rip was known for his kindness, keen intellect and leadership qualities. Our Atherton class proudly chose Rip as "most likely to succeed," and we will miss him. Rest in peace, Rip.
Rev. Winfried Cross, Sr
August 9, 2016
He was in several of my elementary and junior high school classes at Foster Elementary and Shawnee Junior High. Edwin was gifted intellectually and physically. He was always so kind and humble. I mostly remember how he made me feel good about life. Always a pleasure to be in his company. He made a great positive impression on me.
Bill Bishop
August 9, 2016
Rip was an inspiration to those of us who came behind him at Atherton. We remember his example of grace, courage and intelligence.....
Nancy Brown
August 8, 2016
I was a classmate of Rip's at Atherton and remember him as an all around great guy. I'm so glad that I got to see him at our last reunion. I had no idea of his numerous accomplishments and honors, because he wasn't a person who boasted or bragged. But I am not surprised by any of the things he did. Rip was a wonderful person, and he leaves such a void. To his family and close friends, I wish you happy memories in the sad days you are facing. And for Rip, I wish peace.
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