Garrett Samuel Smith

1933 - 2019

Saratoga Springs, NY - Garrett Samuel Smith was born at Saratoga Hospital on June 28, 1933 to parents Margaret Neill Crozier and Garrett Sigsby Smith. He was a graduate of Saratoga High School class of ‘51, Russell Sage class of 1960, and he graduated from Yale University’s Berkeley Divinity School with a Masters in Divinity in 1965.Mr. Smith lived in Saratoga for 82 of his 86 years. Similarly, progressive, urbane, charismatic, clever, and courageous, Mr. Smith was one of several who actively sought to preserve Saratoga’s history and beauty while reinforcing the city’s emerging identity in both education and culture. He did so with a Damon Runyon like sharp-tongued wit learned from his family of origin and the freewheeling, gambling town of his youth. He could communicate his point to any person from any generation - and often did so ... happily.The son of a larger than life ad man for the Saratogian, and the grandson of a very successful racing program concessionaire, he was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. In doing so, he strove for a different career path and identity than much of what he saw growing up. He became an educator and would say that he remained one throughout his life. He held positions as varied as English faculty for the Ballston Spa school district, Trainer for the New York State Health Department, and Director of the National Museum of Dance - serving in both instructional and administrative capacities for all three. Additionally, he wrote and developed curricula for the state regarding HIV prevention instruction which is still in use today. However, Garrett will also be remembered as a co-creator - with Rolfe Lawson - of the now legendary Court Bistro, a mid-80’s icon of the east side.A great lover of dance, he was associated with several local companies and with modern choreographers such as Paul Taylor and Mark Morris. He was particularly fond of ballet, developing strong ties to the NYC ballet for over 15 years. This began in the late sixties when he and Rolfe rented their residence - 150 Phila St. - to principal dancer Allegra Kent. “150”, as it was referred to, became a destination for many in the arts, education, and show business with guests such as George Balanchine, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Fred Astaire passing through its doors along the way. It was also home for several years to the wildly entertaining and irreverent YAB ballet in the early and mid-eighties. Garrett became the Saratogian’s dance critic in the 1990’s.Finally, he was an avid gardener throughout his life, spending much of his time outside “prettying things up.” He was a member of many garden clubs, and his grounds were chosen more than once for the Soroptimist Garden Tour. He is survived by his husband and companion of over 55 years, the Rev. Rolfe Lawson; two sons - Mark Lawson and Garrett Scott Smith; daughters-in-law - Annette Decresce (Lawson) and Connie Palumbo (Smith); grandchildren - Allegra Czerwinski, Alexander, Adriana and Gabriel Lawson, and ever-loyal pets, Michaela and Duchess.He was vigorously sustained by his love of extended family, his animals, the arts, humor, and MSNBC. Mr. Smith devoted much of his life to the normalizing of LGBT rights and disavowed hatred and prejudice of any kind.Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (518-584-5373). Garrett’s service information including a Bethesda Mass, memorial celebration, and where to send donations will follow on Facebook and will be updated on the Burke website.Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.www.burkefuneralhome.com http://www.lastingmemories.com/garrett-samuel-smith