Harry Baker "Hank" Smith Jr.

1947 - 2023

Harry (Hank) Baker Smith, Jr., AIA. Born November 27, 1947 (Thanksgiving Day). Date of Death: November 30, 2023. He was 76 years old. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He received his Master of Architecture Degree at Tulane University, New Orleans. He was a licensed architect by profession and a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Construction Specifications Institute. Hank was a renaissance man. He was not afraid to try anything and tried many new things most of his life. After leaving high school he utilized his mechanical skills to build dune buggies and work on his beloved Porche's of which he owned many throughout his life. Hank was a talented artist who worked in multiple mediums. As an architect, his drafting skills were artwork, but he easily converted to computer drawing when that became available. He was also a builder and renovated many old homes in uniquely clever ways. The most notable as a young architect was his award-winning design for his first home on Calhoun Street in Uptown New Orleans. His last has was a renovated cottage in Old Metairie made into a museum quality home. Hank was the life of every party he attended and was a marvelous joke teller. His laughter was contagious, and his friends adored him. As an architect he practiced throughout the New Orleans area, Mississippi Gulf Coast, and the Catskill Mountains in New York State. He loved architecture passionately. It was his profession and his hobby. The day before his death he was designing at his computer. He loved his wife dearly and they traveled together extensively before her death. Hank loved dogs, wolves, and Tulane University. He will be missed greatly by his many friends, family, and clients. He died to young but if you squint your eyes while viewing a wolf pack, you will see Hank among them. May he rest in peace for all of eternity. Hank was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 27 years, Pamela Shaw, his parents Harry Baker Smith and Jean Carroll Smith, sister Lauren Smith Mince. Survived by brothers Jeffrey King Smith (Barbara), Scott Galloway Smith (Beth), sister Carroll Smith Zehner (Walter), nieces Elsbet Smith Hollywood (Tim), Alison Smith, Liesl Zehner, Margaret Zehner Rotolo (Michael), Greta Zehner, nephews Nathan Mince and Ryan Mince and great nephews Baker Hollywood and Knox Hollywood. The family would like to give special thanks to caregiver Tammy Tymone and dear friend Greg Wantje and the Heart of Hospice. At Hank's request the service will be private. Interment will be with his beloved wife Pamela. No memorial donations have been established; however, Hank loved dogs and Tulane if you are so inclined.