John Calvin Smith

Hi Ann-
I hope you read this! My dad, Herbert Patterson, mentioned John's passing. Wow 91 years and ten grandsons, all male!?! Sounds like fun and a very rich life. He is now with my mom and your good friend Rachelle Ann Patterson-Lloyd having fun in heaven. I remember John as so much fun. I've been living in California for the past 26 years and I'd love to hear from you. Love Karen Patterson Brunett 650 644-7975

So very sorry for all the Smith Family

One of, if not the last, real Lynnfield native, John Smith was a truly great man and citizen, dedicating so much of his time and effort to the Town he loved so dearly. A long time Commissioner of the Lynnfield Center Water District, where he led the process of finding, developing and protecting our well sourced drinking water supply; a member of the Lynnfield Board of Appeals, who helped control the direction and nature of so many residential, business and commercial developments in Town, while maintaining the character and feel of our great community; to the Republican Town Committee where he was instrumental in protecting the conservative values of old New England: that and so much more. We thank you for all your civic efforts on behalf of Lynnfield and its residents, John, and I thank you for a long time friendship that enriched me in so many ways. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Rest in peace, my friend, you will be missed.

It was truly an honor knowing John Calvin Smith. John was one of the first people I met when my family moved to Lynnfield, and I remember how impressed I was with his kindness and gentle spirit. I really enjoyd the talks we had from time to time.
Please accept my most sincere sympathy on your loss.

David Nelson
Lynnfield, MA

What an honor it has been to have known and seen John with his 'tried and true' spirit during his years serving the Town of Lynnfield. He taught so many of us to serve by example with his full hearted dedication and dignified perseverance. He paved the way for a great Lynnfield for many generations. He could bring opposites together in ways that made all forget the conflict. John insisted to pull everyone into his engaging stories, and did so with ease and grace. Many of his younger days at the 'four corners' he would share with delight to ensure we all would remember the identity and strength of the old Lynnfield ways. My favorite was the one about Starlight Ballroom in 1940 being rained out, and how you could hear the trumpet of Harry James in the Town Hall on the Common, the rain would not stop the horns or the dancing! While he served in many capacities including Finance Committee, Chair of Zoning Board of Appeals, Chairman of the Senior Center Building Committee, Board of Directors of LIFE, Commissioner of Lynnfield's Center Water District, Rotary and his calming role as Asst. Town Moderator, he was a sturdy leader for the town causes, and never failed to sign off 'Toodle Ooo' which meant 'keep the faith'. Lindsay and the family, including the ten grandsons! what a legacy you have to look up to forever. He will be missed forever, but he has left behind solid ground in so many ways, and always remembered. With deepest sympathy, Kendall Inglese

I am sorry to hear of John's passing. I knew him long ago as a little girl and remember him well as a very very nice adult. His family was fortunate to have had him for so many years.
With sympathy, Betty Bear Wik (cousin of Ruthie Barr Weick)

John Calvin Smith: It's time to say goodbye for now, hoping we meet up again in the future. I consider myself privileged & lucky to have experienced 45+ years with you as my Step Father. You were the real deal (hard worker, intelligent, successful, engaged, loyal, humorous, family oriented and most important trust-worthy. Your word was your honor. Thank you for your love, guidance and your incredible sense of humor. L.O.L

- Bradford Bishop Eaton, Family, Groton MA , Nov 26,2016

Dear Leslie, Gary, Lindsay and families,
I met John 28 years ago when I married into the family. John has kept me laughing ever since then. I have never met someone that enjoyed life and everyone around him to the fullest like John did.
I had the chance to see him in his role as a father, grandfather and as a husband an he excelled in all!
My husband was his stepson, however he was always treated as if he was John's son. My children have always known him as "Grandpa John" and John couldn't have been more loving towards them.
Then there is me, his step-daughter-in-law. Knowing that I like to joke around with him, John seemed to really enjoy keeping me on my toes, with jokes and funny phrases which he did right up until the end of his life.
My family and I are better for having been in his life and we will try to go forward with the same attitude and joie de vivre as he did. My prayers go out to Leslie, Gary and Lindsay . Love, Debbie