Robert "Duncan" Smith

Robert "Duncan" Smith, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully in his home, Sunday, December 14, 2025, on his 69th birthday. He was a kind and generous man who loved spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife Christine A. (Boudreau) Smith, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage.
He was born on December 14, 1956 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford, MA. The son of the late William V. "Val" Smith and Barbara A. (McDonough) Smith, he was first raised in the suburb of Arlington but soon moved to Chelmsford. He graduated from Chelmsford High in 1975. Upon graduation, Duncan took an interest in law enforcement and received an associate's degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Essex Community College. He served briefly on the Chelmsford Auxiliary Police Department. After a career change, Duncan began working for several noted design firms. He received a second associate's degree in Design, this time from Middlesex Community College. He would continue to excel in design over the next 40 years, ending his career as Principal Mechanical Designer with BAE Systems of Nashua, NH.
Duncan was a life-long outdoorsman who loved camping, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor pursuits. He was an active and long-standing member of the Stony Brook Fish and Game Association of Westford and was a member of the Boy Scouts of America during his youth. He had many varied interests and hobbies during his life. He enjoyed many years riding his Harley-Davidson, hitting the open roads of his native New England. He especially loved the Maine coast and lakes region of New Hampshire, where he spent vacations camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.
A one-time woodcrafter, among other hobbies, he loved machines, tools, and had an extensive collection of power equipment. He was an avid fan of professional and amateur sports, especially football and the New England Patriots.
Duncan Smith was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved whole-heartedly and was generous with his time.
In addition to his loving wife, Christine, Duncan leaves his son Michael D. Smith and wife Amanda of Reading, MA, and their children Abigail and Hannah; and his daughter Jennifer A. Strout and fiancé Matthew of Chelmsford, MA, and their children Jordan, Isabella, Mikayla, Autumn, and Raeleigh. He leaves his brothers Thomas Smith and wife Mary-Beth of Amesbury, MA, and their children Katelyn and Kara; Douglas Smith and wife Julie of Santa Fe, NM, and their child Jermaine; Andrew Smith and wife Beatriz of Wayland, MA, and their children Gabrielle and Owen; brother-in-law Dana Boudreau of Westford, MA; and brother-in-law Neil Boudreau of Chelmsford, MA. He is also survived by his uncle (first cousin once removed) R. Laurence Cullen and wife Maureen of Freeport, ME.
He is predeceased by his parents, his brother William V. 'Billy' Smith, brother-in-law Steven Boudreau, and brother-in-law Kirk Boudreau.
A commemoration of Duncan's life will be held at the Stony Brook Fish and Game Association, 128 Lowell Road, Westford, on Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 1-4pm.
Memorial donations may be made in Duncan's name to benefit educational initiatives such as scholarships. Please make inquiries with the immediate family should you care to donate.