DAVID BABCOCK SMITH

1947 - 2016

David Babcock Smith David was born in San Francisco June 28, 1947 and passed away in Sacramento August 26, 2016. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, George and Terry, and brothers Matthew and Daniel. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Susan Pinsker, siblings Michael, Jeffrey, Stephen, Margaret and Charlotte, and their spouses, as well as adoring nephews, nieces and their children, and the children of dear friends who grew up loving him as a cherished uncle. David grew up in Kentfield, California, where he was a paper boy for the Marin Independent Journal and graduated from Marin Catholic High School in 1965. He earned his B.A. from UC Davis and his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts. For most of his professional life David was Clinical Director at the Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction in Pittsfield, Massachusetts where he supervised the mental health team and worked directly with inmates. David "Doc" Smith left a deep and lasting imprint on the quality of care and mental health services not just in the Berkshires but throughout the state of Massachusetts. He was a man of profound intellect and deeply held beliefs, whose quest for social and economic justice was visible in all he did. He was a person of boundless generosity and caring, always putting others first. Every person "The Gentle Giant" touched thanks him for making us better because we knew him. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, or National Public Radio, all organizations that David valued and supported.