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Kenneth Smithson Obituary
Born on February 17, 1945 and passed into God's loving arms on June 27, 2010. Devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, Ken is survived by his wife Shelley, two children, Jenny Haas and Alex Smithson, three step daughters, Brandi Breault, Breck Orcutt, and Kisha Byers, and fourteen grandchild ren. Ken retired from VHA Inc. in Irving, Texas, in 2009 as Senior Vice President in Research and Development. He was an expert in hospital/physician relations, evidence-based medicine and the economics of health care quality, in addition to being board certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroente rology. Ken authored and edited over two dozen VHA highly regarded research monographs on a wide range of health industry topics. He was a member of the 2007 and 2008 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Board of Examiners. Prior to his time VHA, he was in private practice in Phoenix, where he was also Chief Medical Advisor for the State of Arizona's QIO and Chair of Quality and Utilization Management at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix where he practiced medicine for 14 years. His managed care background includes 10 years with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona, where he was Seni or Vice President of Medical Affairs. Ken received his early undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill star ting in 1964. He then performed post graduate work at George Washington University Medical Center and Standford University Medical Center. He later continued his education by earning an MBA from Arizona State University. Ken used his expertise to serve his country at the National Naval Medical Center and Naval Medical Research Institute. There will be a celebration of Ken's life this 4th of July between noon and 4:00 PM at an open house at their home, 1439 N. Sunshine Lane, Southlake, TX 76092. All friends are welcome. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice. Ken will be missed, but now he can begin his new adventure on the barge. We love you.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Smithson
Mark Osborn
July 25, 2010
Shelley, I worked with Ken while I was at VHA and stayed in contact with him after I retired. He was very helpful to me on several occasions. I am sorry for your loss. Ken had a great sense of humor and a terrific knowledge of the field of medicine. His research was always on target. I am a Jayhawk and he was a Tarheel, so our conversations were always fun. I will miss him a lot. Mark Osborn MD, Lawrence KS.
Bonnie Yaus
July 17, 2010
Dear Shelley,
I know that you and Ken shared so much love for each other that this and the fond memories will see you through this pain. Ken will always be beside you and in your heart, because that is the kind of person he was.
You and your beautiful family have our deepest sympathy and remember, we all love you.
Aunt Bonnie & Uncle Jack
Nancy Oglesby
July 13, 2010
The memory of Ken's endless knowledge, generosity, gentleness and compassion will be tucked away with all the other good things God does for us through others.
Shelley, we hope that you and your family find peace in your saddness. May God bless you.
Love, Uncle Dale, Aunt Nancy and family
Patsy Matheny
July 6, 2010
When you leave a company, there are a few people that stay in your mind. Ken Smithson was that person for me after I left VHA. I am thankful for Ken's mentorship, wise advice, abundant list of resources, and calming influence.
Nimfa Pirote
July 5, 2010
Knowing that he was a doctor, I was very apprehensive the first time I took care of Dr. Smithson. But my apprehension was unfounded. He was very down-to-earth, kindhearted, and the most unassuming person I ever meet. It was a privilege taking care of him. I also admire Mrs. Smithson for always being at his bedside. I feel your loss and I hope and pray that time will heal your pain of losing him. God bless you and your family and do take care of yourself always.
Melody Ongayo
July 3, 2010
Our thoughts and sympathies are with your family at this time. It was an honour taking care of Dr Smithson on 7 Roberts, even when he was very ill he was always kind and thoughtful to everyone. May God bless your family
Dana Stapp, RN
July 2, 2010
I was blessed with the gift of meeting Dr. and Mrs. Smithson during their stay at 7Roberts. It only took this short time to see what a wonderful man he was. Even in his time of sickness, his kindness and love for those around him was always apparent in his words and expressions.
With my deepest sympathy and prayers,
July 2, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Shelly. He was a special man. Dick and Rosanne Kole (Phoenix)
Rita Vargo
July 1, 2010
Dear Shelley,
I am very sorry for your loss. Sage loved her grandfather very much, but she told me that she didn't want him to suffer any more.
We have had a Mass said for the repose of his soul. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Rita Vargo
John Anderson MD
July 1, 2010
I was saddened last evening to learn of Ken's death, and hope that his pain and sufferring are relieved forever. Shelley, Rachel sends her regards, and the two of us remember fondly getting together in Dallas while we were there. I have personally the highest regard for Ken as a person, a professional, and a colleague having known him well during my years as the Chief Medical Officer at Baylor while he served in his role at VHA where he was so highly respected. It was my greatest privilege and pleasure to have helped Ken during his initial illness at Baylor, and I only wish that the ultimate outcome had been different. Please be assurred that you and your family will be in our prayers in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Joan Evans
July 1, 2010
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Ken's family. I had the pleasure of working with him at VHA. Ken was a dear, valued colleague and friend. He left a positive impact on all of us that knew him and he made a positive difference in this world. Please know that I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Joan
John Pevoto
July 1, 2010
Ken was a good friend as well as client and co-worker. I had the privilege and blessing of sharing a number of projects with him, all of them memorable and challenging. I've missed him greatly since he retired last year. He spoke often of his family, and I pray the Lord will bless every member of his family in this tough time. We will all miss him!
Tom Spindler
July 1, 2010
Ken was a valued professional colleague across VHA; as a person he was thoughtful, honest, and very considerate of others. The staff at VHA Mid America convey our sympathies to the Smithson family.
Dixie Rader
July 1, 2010
Our deepest sympathy, thoughts, prayers and love are with Shelley and the girls. Love, Aunt Dixie and Uncle Robin and families
Lee Lawrence
July 1, 2010
My deepest sympathies to Ken's family. Ken was a great contributor to VHA successes, a kind and gentle colleague, and a friend. He was always so responsive to requests from regions like ours, and was such a knowledgeable expert and good speaker. All of us in VHA Southeast will miss him.
Lee Lawrence
Dana Carroll
June 30, 2010
Dr. Smithson was my physician (years ago in Phoenix, AZ) and a fellow Blue Cross Blue Shield co-hort. He was always a joy to work with, always approaching things with humor and thoughtfulness. My deepest sympathies to Shelley and his family in their loss.
Sincerely, Dana Carroll
Bill Vandenbosch
June 30, 2010
Ken was a great friend and mentor. Twelve years after working with Ken, I still used him as a sounding board for work or life issues. He was always insightful, humorous and knowledgeable about a wide array of issues. He had a positive impact on all the organizations and people he worked with. My deepest sympathy to Shelley and the family.
Sincerely, Bill Vandenbosch
Angela Merola
June 30, 2010
Ken and I shared some heated arguments, a lot more laughter and some heartfelt tears through the ups and downs during our journey together at VHA. He was passionate, creative, hilarious, smart, childlike and sensitive all in one package. I am very grateful for his constant encouragement and support toward a persuit to expand my knowledge, skills and experiences to get the maximum in my career and life. To this day I hold this trait sacred. Ken lives on through print and the people he touched on this journey we call life. Ken and his family will be in my prayers. May God bless us all.
June 30, 2010
Dr. Smithson was my favorite boss ever! He was kind, funny, innovative and extremely smart. He always made you feel that your contribution to the team was valuable. He had a great sense of humor too. He was trusted. He is missed now but will be reunited again.
Respectfully,
Mari Tietze, PhD, RN
Nawon Thomas
June 30, 2010
Mr Smithson was one of the most inspiring patients that I had the privilage of providing nursing care to on 7Roberts. His many accomplishments motivates and encourages me to move forward in my career goals and He and Mrs Smithsons spirit of love, respect and faith is a life long character model. I am honored to have provided care for the Smithson's while on 7Roberts.
Prayerfully submitted
Nawon S. Thomas RN
Lisa Bufkin
June 30, 2010
Ken was a special friend to me during my time at VHA. I loved working with him and calling him my friend. He was a very special, kind man and I will always have such fond memories of him. My deepest sympathy to Shelley and the family.
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