David Paul DeSmit

David Paul DeSmit, of Putney, VT, formerly of Whittier, NC; Woburn, and Sharon, MA, passed away peacefully with loving friends by his side on September 7, 2024 at Brattleboro Hospital, VT, after an extended period of declining health. He was 83. He was born in Rochester, NY on May 16th, 1941 to Raymond Warren DeSmit and Edith Virginia (Buell) DeSmit. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and English Literature from Oberlin College (Ohio), and a master's degree in landscape architecture from Harvard University. From an early age, David became a student of life and possibilities. He was a curious life-long learner and an avid reader, always searching for knowledge and new points of view. It was a pleasure going to art exhibits with him. His knowledge and insights offered "new eyes" to view many forms of art – large and small. His love for nature was expressed in writings, photography, and in working the soil to produce a bountiful harvest. He proudly designed gardens and landscapes. He also generously advised friends to select beautiful plantings and garden designs. He planted and cared for organic vegetable gardens in Woburn and Lexington, MA, and then extended the life of the harvest with canning, dehydrating, and freezing. He derived immense joy from cooking for others and made delicious, unforgettable meals and saved the day with the perfect last touch to a dish prepared by someone else! Deeply distressed by the effects of climate change on the planet and its peoples, and by the misuse of national resources, he raised awareness of the urgent need for change through eloquent, passionate writings and participation in advocacy efforts to advance practical scalable solutions such as increased biodiversity and carbon farming. Life took him to many places through good and trying times. He met along the way many friends whose relationships he cherished. He was a compassionate listener and always had a soothing word for a friend in distress. In the last years of his life, he shared a deep love with his wife, Diana, and devoted himself to caring for her. She predeceased him just weeks before his passing. David leaves his son Will DeSmit, his brother Pieter and sister-in-law, Phyllis DeSmit, niece Dori McFarland, nephew Doug DeSmit, and many friends. His friendship, generous knowledge, and wit will be missed by many dear friends in New England and North Carolina. A virtual gathering of friends and family will be scheduled this fall. In the meantime, David's family welcomes you to remember him with a planting, creation of art work, or donation to an organization or cause important to you. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.