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Frank Smith Obituary
Using the certificate of an older Frank Smith, he volunteered to see action at sea with the Royal Navy near the end of the Second World War but instead was assigned as a writer, land-based in Bermuda. On demobilisation he became a successful journalist in the UK, Europe and Australia.
He met Mary-Theresa on a skiing trip. They formed a happy, enduring, married partnership which was enriched by the linking of their professional interests: he a writer, she an editor.
Frank's work for the coordinating secretariat of world youth leaders (COSEC) in Holland followed. Then the couple moved to Perth, Australia where Frank became a national newspaper sub-editor and full-time university student. He also wrote his first book, BROTHERS' KEEPERS, a humorous novel which was published in Britain and republished in the U.S. The book was optioned for a U.S. movie.
With an Honours degree and departmental prizes, Frank was accepted into Harvard University where he gained his Ph.D. in cognitive psychology.
After work in California, South Africa and New Zealand, he accepted a professorship from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (University of Toronto). His last formal position was Chair of Language in Education at the University of Victoria.
Frank's first academic book, UNDERSTANDING READING, became a classic. It was followed by over 20 books, many widely translated. Maintaining his independence, Frank declined all invitations to join educational movements and publishers of school reading and writing programs.
The BBC featured him in a program on learning to read. He also appeared on the CBC Ideas program.
Frank's children, Laurel, Melissa and Nicholas and their children were his delight; he was always involved in their activities.
For recreation he flew a small plane and sailed his 27' sloop for many years. He continued to develop original ideas and was never happier than when immersed in a challenging book to nourish his thinking.
The family thanks Drs. Ambrose Marsh and Rene Weir for their long-time exemplary care.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Smith
6 Entries
Judith Newman
January 27, 2021
Frank was an important influence in my development as a literacy educator. Always ready with provocative questions, he pushed me to examine my unexamined assumptions. I was so sorry to learn about his death.
Judith Newman
January 27, 2021
A wonderful mentor. Frank always had provocative, challenging questions for me. He was instrumental in helping me clarify ideas throughout my professional career. “Why do you talk about it that way?”, he once asked me. He made me consider the ramifications of my underlying assumptions - a valuable life-long lesson. He will be much missed.
Dr. Margaret Hughes
January 27, 2021
Frank was a remarkable, original thinker who inspired so many to understand language learning in important new ways. Frank's intense personal and intellectual curiosity as well as his devoted love for his family made him a privilege and delight to have known.
As my doctoral dissertation chair decades ago, Frank was a passionate mentor whom I thank for inspiring my own academic career. Sincere thanks, Frank.
Dr. Margaret Hughes
January 27, 2021
Frank was a remarkable, original thinker who inspired so many to understand language learning in important new ways. Frank's intense personal and intellectual curiosity as well as his devoted love for his family made him a privilege and delight to have known.
Wayne Serebrin
January 23, 2021
Frank's work sparked my intellectual curiosity and passion for education. His work led me to a teaching and literacy education career in teacher education over many decades. His insightful and radical work changed the very nature of children's literacy education in such positive ways. Thank you, Frank.
Dr. JC McDermott
January 12, 2021
Frank changed the way I taught and thought about everything related to reading His is a huge loss
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