Carl Walter Smith

Carl W. Smith passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024. He was born Wednesday, December 15, 1937, in Salem, Massachusetts. He grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island, graduated from Earlham College, and received his PH.D from Brown University. He accepted a position at SRI in Menlo Park, California and then worked at Sandia National Labs, retiring in 1996.

Carl had a lifelong interest in photography. With his wife, Marilyn, he traveled the world after retirement, taking photos of their time together. His photos formed a chronicle of his life, and his work was also published, particularly his black and white mountain photographs. He gave photos to many of his friends to share the memories of times together.

Outside of work, Carl's interests were outdoor activities. While in California he climbed extensively in the Sierras and became a rock climber. He climbed mountains all over the world- Russia, Afghanistan, Switzerland, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Alaska. In New Mexico he ran marathons. Later, when physical problems curtailed his mountaineering and running, he turned to cycling and was a member of the New Mexico Touring Society. He skied and was a member of the New Mexico Cross Country Ski Club.

He also contributed his time and energy. In California he participated in mountain rescue, and here, he worked on the Continental Divide Trail and joined the Friends of the Sandia Mountains in maintaining trails and picnic areas. With the Friends he truly enjoyed being a sawyer and could cut down 20-inch diameter ponderosas, but five years ago a stroke placed him in a wheelchair.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph W. Smith and Maud Brear Smith; his brother David R. Smith and his sister Ruth Smith Huff. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Marilyn Hussong Smith; his sisters Carol Smith Doak and Joyce Smith Babbin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The New Mexico BioPark Society (NMBPS)