Arthur Henry Smith

Arthur Henry Smith passed peacefully at home on July 16, 2025. Born on January 2, 1936, in Island Falls, Maine, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend.

Arthur was born to Clara Elizabeth (Betty) Sewall and Arthur Preston Smith both of Island Falls. Arthur graduated from Island Falls High School in 1954, then obtained his BA from California State University in Fresno, California.

He joined the Marines and attained the rank of Captain at time of discharge. After his military service, he married Reneva Lola Jones in a ceremony in Island Falls on February 9, 1963. They moved to Syracuse, New York, so Arthur could attend Syracuse University, where he got his master's degree. They also started their family, adding Frederic (Rusty) while in Syracuse.

The family moved to Caribou, Maine, and Arthur started his career with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. While in Caribou, Reneva worked as a nurse at Cary Medical Center while Arthur attended school. They added Margaret to the family.

Moving back to Island Falls, Arthur worked for DHHS serving 25 years, retiring at an early age, as a Field Supervisor. Never one to be idle, he started working for a local farmer during harvest driving truck and working in the potato house. An active community member, he held many roles, including Treasurer for the Island Falls Library, Town Selectman, Secretary of the Island Falls Fish and Game Club, and was a charter member of both the Big Valley Sno Club and the Island Falls Free-Wheelers ATV Club.

Arthur had a lifelong love of the outdoors. He found peace and joy in the woods, on the trails, and at the family camp he built with Reneva on Mattawamkeag Lake. He spent countless hours fishing, snowmobiling, paddling, hunting, and riding his 4-wheeler across familiar trails. Being outside wasn't just a hobby-it was how he connected with the land and the people he loved, especially his grandchildren: Katie, Lindsey, Emma, Lloyd Jr., and David.

His love of the lake and conservation ran deep. Alongside his friend Doc Daniels, Arthur spent years monitoring the water quality of Mattawamkeag Lake. They carefully collected and logged data, watching for changes that might impact the ecosystem. Their dedication to preserving the lake was recognized when the Island Falls Lakes Association named an island after "Artie" and Doc -a tribute to their quiet, enduring stewardship.

Later in life, Arthur took up bird carving under Doc's guidance. He became a master carver, winning many ribbons and pouring care into each piece-most of them made for Reneva.

Arthur spent his final months at home thanks to the support of family and a devoted care team. Special thanks go to Alyssa, Danette, Becky, Danielle, Makenna, Laurie, Tammy, Millie, Clarissa, Sylva, and the teams at Houlton Regional Hospital and Northern Light Home Health and Hospice.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Reneva; son Rusty Smith and his wife Kelley of Bridgton; daughter Margaret Phillips and her husband Lloyd Sr. of Island Falls; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren (Lilyanne, Ava, Harper, and Ella); and his cousin, David Sewall. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Richard.

A future service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Island Falls Library, Houlton Humane Society, or Waiting Whiskers.