Steve Smith

1947 - 2014

SOUTH BEND -- Steve Smith, 66, of South Bend and Clermont, FL, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2014, surrounded by his family.
Steve was born on October 20, 1947 in Vinton, IA to Ralph J. "Smitty" Smith and Elinor Baldwin (Hart) Smith. His mother precedes him in death, though his father lives on to cherish his memory. On August 15, 1969, in South Bend, he married Roxanna J. Baldwin, who survives.
Together, Steve and Roxanna raised three children, all survive: a son, Aaron C. Smith of Memphis, TN; and two daughters, Sarah (Thomas, Jr.) Cira of Granger, and Molly (Josh) Woody of Fishers, IN; their grandchildren: Cole, Logan and Layne Cira, and Braylen, Malena, and Easton Woody. Also surviving are three brothers: James (Sherry) Smith of St. Louis, MO, Gregory (Susan) Smith of Muncie, and Michael Smith of Muncie. Along with Steven, the family carries on the memories of his mother, his sister Mary Catherine, and Sister-in-Law Denise Hogan Smith.
Steve graduated from the University of Evansville, IN, where he was a member of the Purple Aces swim team and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He also earned his masters in education at IUSB and Indiana University, Bloomington.
Well known for his achievements in triathlons, he's been called "the most decorated amateur triathlete of all time." With over 250 triathlons completed, his most memorable achievements were his 13 trips to the coveted Kona Ironman, 15 National Championship titles, 15 Time All American by USAT and multiple World Championship titles in Olympic and 70.3 distances. He was inducted into the Indiana High School Swimming & Diving Hall of Fame in (2007) and was awarded the "Distinguished Achievement Award" by the South Bend Community Hall of Fame in (2010). He was also featured in Sports Illustrated "Faces In The Crowd".
Steve taught for SBCSC for 43 years beginning in '69 at Jackson H.S. He later taught at Adams H.S. where he coached the boys swim team (71-80 and 96-11). He began teaching at Riley H.S. in 1970 where he retired from teaching in 2011.
Steve owned and operated Eagle Swim Supply, Wicks 'N' Sticks (UP Mall) 1980-88, and Wallpapers To Go (Indian Ridge Plaza) 1987-1995.
His legacy of "always being the fastest turtle in the race" (Alsop's Fable: Tortoise and the Hare) lives on as he became the honoree of the 1st Annual Barron Lake Triathlon in Niles, MI (August 30th, 2014). The triathlon was organized in his honor to benefit the "Racing For Steve-O" foundation that was established shortly after his brain cancer diagnoses. Steve established the mission for the foundation to help Michiana children have the opportunity to be involved in sports and athletics regardless of physical, mental and financial barriers.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m., with a vigil service starting at 4 p.m. at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, enter off Cherry Rd. (574-232-1411). Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Rd., Granger, IN 46530.
The family strongly requests that no flowers be sent. Instead, they ask that those who wish to honor Steve's memory do so by sending memorial contributions to: Racing For Steve-O, Inc, 14831 Copper Penny Dr., Granger, IN 46530 or online at: www.racingforsteveo.org, or to the University of Evansville Swim Team
UE Office of Annual Giving, 1800 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47722 or to the Vinton Community SwimClub. 201 E. 4th St. PO Box 484, Vinton, IA 52349.
To send condolences to the family, or for directions, please visit www.McGannHay.com.