Philip M. Smith

My mentor...an intellectual leader who anyone could speak frankly and honestly. He cared for others over his own needs.

Phil is a continuing inspiration to all who knew him, and all whose lives he will touch in the future through his lasting legacy. Phil served as a Mentor for a group of 35 early career researchers who were funded to conduct research in polar regions during the 2007-2008 IPY. He volunteered to spend a week of his time with this group, sharing his historical perspectives, insights and vision for the future. His work continues through this group and the many others he inspired and mentored...

Indefatigable is the word that comes to mind when I think of Phil. He was a generous and caring man who will be missed by all who knew him.
Maury Cooper

I had the privilege of knowing and working with Phil Smith for over 15 years, both at NCSA and then Calit2. He embodied the spirit of the explorer who, throughout his life, pushed into new frontiers ranging from polar exploration to science and technology. Phil was a public servant who devoted his professional career to creating the foundation for some of America's leading scientific organizations. He devoted his personal time to helping expand opportunities for others and improving his...

February 25

I was saddened to learn of Phil's passing. He was my boss, mentor and friend during the establishment of the Polar Programs office at NSF in the 1960's. Phil was a gifted leader and administrator, whose abilities and talents impacted all of us who worked for and with him.

In 1971 at the National Science Foundation Phil handed me a slim paperback titled Adequate Earth. Donald Finkel had composed the book-length poem after an Antarctic trip under Phil's auspices. Inside, Phil had written in his characteristic thick black ink, "Guy, it's about time for you to take over the Antarctic Artists and Writers Program." I was 29. Phil's gesture toward a new employee was one of countless ways he motivated me and others to achieve things we otherwise may not have done....

What a great loss. Phil was a special individual and responsible for my Antarctic career.

A real loss! Phil was a great guy. We had many special times together in Antarctica, in Washington, and at the reunions of the Trans. Arctic Group.