Lowell A. Smith

MIDDLESEX – It is with sad regret that Lowell A. Smith has succumbed to cancer at the age of 55 on Feb. 13, 2010, at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass. Lowell was born on May 20, 1954, in Hardwick, Vt., to Dr. Richard T. Smith and Virginia Smith. He attended and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1972.

In 1984, Lowell founded Capitol Video and recently expanded to a new location in Montpelier, adding Artisan Pizza. Prior to owning Capitol Video, he started and owned Mountain Jam Music in Stowe and also founded Stowe Video. In 2009, Lowell celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Capitol Video, along with family, friends and past and present employees of the store.

Lowell worked as a carpenter over the years, constructing many houses in the central Vermont area, including his current house in Middlesex in which he also did the landscaping. One of Lowell's favorite projects was working with stone and with the help of his dear friend; he finished the stone wall that now borders his home.

Lowell married Debra Perry Sands on Oct. 4, 1986, at Christ Church Episcopal in Montpelier, who had two sons, Jeffrey and Christopher.

Lowell was active in the 1992 flood recovery by assisting in the production of the Montpelier flood video that raised money towards helping those who suffered during the flood. He also served on several community boards and local civic affairs and was very active in the community.

Lowell had a love and dedication for the United States Military and the men and women that serve our country. Lowell distributed harmonicas and books to the military service personnel and their families. He was honored by the Montpelier Legion Post 3 in 2009 for his dedication to the military.

He attended two Change of Command ceremonies aboard the USS Montpelier submarine and arranged for several local residents to attend the second Change of Command that departed from Mayport, Florida. He was also active in arranging for the crew to attend the July 4th celebrations in Montpelier. Lowell started the Maple Syrup Fund to raise money to purchase maple syrup that was sent to the crew before their deployments. He and Debra hosted the crew of the USS Montpelier several times at their home in Middlesex.

Lowell and his wife enjoyed traveling to Mexico, his favorite vacation spot. They also enjoyed spending time with the "dinner gang" that consisted of four couples who met every month creating extravagant, delicious meals together. Lowell was proud and excited that they were to celebrate their 25th anniversary with the Dinner Gang this Valentine's Day.

Lowell is survived by his wife Debra, Stepson Jeffrey Sands and wife Janine, Stepson Chris Sands and wife Kate and Grandson Alec; brother Mark A. Smith and wife Sharon of Northfield, Vt.; sister Christina MacDonald and husband Larry of Jordan, Utah; sister Rebecca Richardson and husband Robert of Florida.

Debra learned from Lowell that it's important to stay connected with friends and she is committed to carrying on what he believed in.

Calling hours are Wednesday, Feb.17, 2010, from 4-6 p.m., at Barber & Lanier Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Montpelier.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, at 1 p.m., at Christ Church Episcopal, State Street, Montpelier.

Memorial contributions may be made to FTCS Brian Apfel, USS Montpelier, MWR, 1940 Red Barn Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23453. Checks payable to USS Montpelier, MWR.

For those wishing to convey online condolences to the family, please visit www.Barber-Lanier.com.