Ned Smith

Ned Smith, 40, of Wilmette, left this world by sunset Saturday, a warrior to the end - though he would say brain cancer was never for him a fight, but a journey.

World-class professor, mentor, and writer, Ned was beloved by students at Northwestern University and the University of Michigan, as well as thinkers across the business landscape, whom he taught how networks work - in theory, practice, and life. A Yale grad and University of Chicago PhD, Ned opened the field of sociology to new questions about human psychology, cognition, and creativity. He believed that vision drives leadership, that information drives organizations, and that meaningful connections - not fate or luck - drive our life paths.

But Ned's defining role was as husband to Erin, his wife of 17 years, whom he met as a young teen in their hometown of Upper Arlington, Ohio, and as father of four: Finnegan, 13, Beckett, 11, Eliza, 9, and Cecily, 6. He led "The Smith 6" as master crepe maker, homework helper, fishing extraordinaire, soccer coach, family adventure seeker, rib roaster, rock climber, singing partner, community builder, and Kenilworth Union Church member. He lives on in the hearts of his parents Nancy and Eric Smith, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, sister Jordan (Mike) Bain, brother Ian (Laurie) Smith, nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbors, lacrosse buddies, and all whose network he's touched.

In his final weeks, Ned cherished the simplicities of family life and meditating in the park with Tessa, the family dog. The launch of Pickles Group, a community Ned co-founded for children of parents navigating cancer, filled Ned with a sense of peace in his parting.

Ned's mind will be remembered for its brilliance, humor, and intellectual curiosity. Ned leaves it, too, as a legacy to science, where it will continue its quest for a cure, laden with memories of an incredible journey.

A reception will be held at The Kellogg Global Hub, Sunday, October 3, 3-6 p.m., followed by services Monday, October 4, 10 a.m., at the Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208 on the Northwestern Campus.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pickles Group, http://www.picklesgroup.org/. To make a gift in Ned's honor, contact Peter Lee at chicago@summittrail.com.

Info: donnellanfuneral.com or 847-675-1990.