Dr. Robert M. Smith

Dr. Robert Macfie Smith passed away on February 4, 2026 in Massena, NY, at the age of 95. He was born on October 28, 1930 in Fort Covington, NY, to the late Dr. Bruce T. Smith and Elin Macartney Smith.

Bob graduated from Fort Covington High School in 1947 and Cornell University in 1951 before earning his Doctor of Medicine at McGill University in 1955. Following his medical internships, he served for two years as a medical officer in the United States Navy, mostly aboard aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean. This sparked a lifelong joy of traveling. He spent a year as a surgical resident at the University of Colorado in Denver, where he developed a passion for the Rocky Mountains.

He returned to Fort Covington in 1960 and spent three years in general practice, the final two years in partnership with his brother, Dr. Bruce T. Smith. At the same time, he was the medical director at the GM Central Foundry in Massena.

Bob married the love of his life, Carolyn (Callie) Smillie, on July 20, 1963 at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Covington.

Bob returned to Montreal in 1963 as a resident in radiology at the Royal Victoria Hospital. He became the radiologist at Massena Memorial Hospital in January 1967 and remained in this position until March 1989. He was a dedicated physician who was instrumental in introducing ultrasound and CT scanning to the hospital, innovations that brought modern diagnostic capabilities to the region and reflected his lifelong interest in learning and progress.

Bob was a man of exceptional intellect, curiosity and vitality. He loved learning and sharing his knowledge with others. His mind was always active, engaged and eager to understand the world more deeply. At one point, he taught himself ancient Greek so that he could read Homer in the original language before traveling to Greece.

Equally important to Bob was physical fitness and the outdoors. In the 1970s, he was a nationally ranked whitewater kayaker, routinely beating competitors 15–20 years his junior. He was an enthusiastic windsurfer, starting in 1979 in the sport's early days. He also loved hockey, downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking and mountaineering (especially in Colorado and the Swiss Alps).

A testament to his determination and discipline, he once ran a marathon on the cinder quarter-mile track at Massena Central High School. He was also noted for dragging his windsurfer across the ice at Wilson Hill in the spring in order to find open water. With legendary coach Stan Moore, he co-coached the 1975 state-champion Massena Squirt A hockey team, sharing his enthusiasm and leadership with young athletes.

Bob found deep joy at the cottage that he and Callie built along the shore of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, a place that reflected his love of nature, water, quiet reflection and time with family. In later years, one of his greatest pleasures was sharing camp with his grandchildren, through swimming, tubing, water skiing and kayaking.

Above all, Bob cherished his family. He was a devoted father to Bruce P. Smith (Beth Robischon) of Denver, CO, Amy S. O'Malley (Michael O'Malley) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Ian G. Smith of Wilson, WY. He was a proud and deeply loving grandfather to Charlie and Fraser Smith, Liam and Owen O'Malley, and George and Chase Smith.

Bob was predeceased by his brothers, Bruce and Douglas.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the North Country Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care.

Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Massena Hospital Foundation or the Massena Public Library.

Arrangements are under the care of the Donaldson Funeral Home, where friends may share memories and offer condolences at www.donaldsonfh.com.