Donald R. Smith

Donald R. Smith, 83, the greatest sailor to have ever lived, died last week at MDI Hospital following a brief illness. He was born in Boston, son of Donald and Catherine Smith.
He was sailing at a young age and soon had a sailboat of his own named "The Tomato." After graduating from Sacrament Jamaica Planes High School, Donald joined the Air Force and served his country 1956-1960. After coming home from the service, he met his wife, Jeannie, and they moved to Alaska where they raised their family. Donald is a life member of the Port Norfolk Yacht Club.
Donald retired to Maine in 2003 where he could enjoy the peace, quiet and the ocean. He liked to watch the deer pass through his yard and enjoyed the simple things. More than anything he loved to sail. He had a full life, a beautiful sailboat named "Rachael" for his daughter, and a lot of love from his family and friends. He was a great father and will remain the world's best Grandpa.
Donald is survived by his wife, Jeannie, and his son, Christian Smith, of Alaska; his daughter, Rachael O'Leary, and her husband, Shane, of Nevada; his three grandchildren, Dahlia, Lily and River, of Nevada; and his great-granddaughters, Scarlett and Velvet.
Gifts in Donald's memory may go to MDI Community Sailing Center, PO Box 116, Southwest Harbor, Maine, 04679, or online at mdisailing.org. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.