Robert Smith Obituary

Robert Olley Smith died peacefully on November 20 in the presence of his family. He was born in 1923 in Miami where his parents had been among the early settlers. After attending the University of Florida for a year, he transferred to MIT, his studies being interrupted by service in the U.S. Navy. during World War II. Returning to MIT, he began his training in yacht design, before changing to civil engineering. He practiced and taught heating and climate control engineering, specializing in solar design for many years, and formed his own company, Building Climate Design. He earned an MBA from Northeastern University in 1970. As a resident of Newton for 52 years, Bob participated in local organizations including the Newton Highlands Area Council (where he was in charge of the fountain), the Green Decades, the Tuesday Club and the Heating System Design Committee for the new Newton North High School. He was also a member of many professional organizations: ASHRAE (Boston Chapter), the American Solar Energy Association, Boston Area Sustainable Energy Association, the Boston Society of Architects and the Radiant Panel Association. He was past president of the Massachusetts Bay chapter of the New England Solar Energy Association, (now the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association), and received a distinguished service award from them in 2006. Society memberships included the Historical Museum of South Florida, the New England Folk Festival Association, The Northfield Conference, The Scottish Country Dance Society of Boston and the U.S. Power Squadron. Bob was also an avid small boat sailor, an accomplished photographer, and an enthusiastic country dancer, accordionist, and music lover. He is survived by his wife, Julie Emerson Smith, step-daughter Lucinda Bradford Smith of Newton, step-son Duncan Emerson Smith and grandson Carter Emerson Smith of Melbourne, Australia, and his brother, Dr. Donald George Smith of Miami. Bob was greatly admired and will be strongly missed by his many friends. A service of celebration will be held at Christ Church Cambridge, Zero Garden Street (Harvard Square) at 12 noon on December 18th. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Pinewoods Camp Incorporated or to the charity of one's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Newton Tab from Nov. 28 to Dec. 5, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Smith

7 Entries

Jim Lawton

December 10, 2012

Bob was a fine raconteur. I've missed spending time with him

Comanche anchored on a lazy Winter day on Biscayne Bay

Charlie & Mimi Munroe

December 9, 2012

Julie, The Munroe family of Coconut Grove and sons of Wirth and Mary Munroe are saddened to hear of your loss and Bob's passing. Whenever he came back to Miami he enthusiastically called me to find out if we were being good stewards of our family history and especially the preservation of my father's boat designs. I often thought Bob loved our Barnacle home more than we did which is so often the case when those that live so close to something special do not appreciate it as much as those that know what it means to others. We will miss him and his love of the water front off the Barnacle dock. The Barnacle is active with events and people enjoying the same things which Bob love about the place. The marine railway has been restored to working condition and the replica of my grandfather's sharpie Egret is often sailed from the dock. The Comanche, one of my father's yacht designs is still docked at the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and is sailed most every week. Bob would like it all.

Steve Proskauer

December 5, 2012

My deepest condolences, Julie. I can picture Bob's smiling face and hear his merry voice even today, 45 years after Charmian and I lived in your upstairs apartment. You two became like family to us. I remember vividly the wonderful times we shared with you and Bob Scottish Country Dancing, a great pasttime to which you introduced us. Though I've had no contact with you for decades, you both are very much alive in my heart and I grieve with you.

November 29, 2012

Bob will certainly be missed at Northfield. I loved his accordian playing and his ever willingness to fix any squeaky door anywhere.

My prayers are with you Julie at this time. Peace and Love, Nancy Ramsden

Ellie and Lorry Weinstein

November 29, 2012

We always enjoyed listening to Bob's many stories and his gentle ways when we shared time with him during the Northfield Conference weeks.

Meg Connor

November 29, 2012

I always enjoyed talking with Bob. His gentleness, humor and kindness were a great gift. My heart is with his family.

Carolyn Boehne

November 29, 2012

Northfield will never be the same with out Bob and his omnipresent WD-40 for the squeaking door hinges!. He was such a steady, kind, and friendly presence. I missed him greatly at the Northfield Conference this past June. It is lovely when all you have of someone are good memories!

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results