Ralph Smith Obituary

SMITH RALPH SMITH (Age 91) A resident of Annandale, VA passed away on July 28, 2010. He was a highly respected watercolor artist and teacher, and was also a member of both the Virginia and American Watercolor Societies. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ferne S. Smith; one son, Peter Joseph Smith, Troutman, NC; one daughter, Beverly C. Steffen, Burke, VA; one brother, Roland Smith; two grandchildren, Emily S. Steffen and E. Mackenzie Steffen. Memorial Service is Saturday, August 14, 2010, 2 p.m. at Demaine Funeral Home Chapel, Springfield, VA. Burial will be in Hermosa, South Dakota. Those who wish in memory of Ralph Smith can make a donation to Alzheimer's Association, alz.org, 225 North Michigan Ave., FL 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633 Arrangements entrusted to Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Rd. Springfield, VA, 22151, 703-549-0074. demainefunerals.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Jul. 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Smith

11 Entries

Paul & Patricia Beha

August 20, 2010

Pete, Sherry, and Families: Mr. Smith lived a truly fascinating and inspiring life. In knowing Pete, we can see his Dad's legacy lives on in him and, assuredly, in his family and all who knew him. God Bless you all. Paul and Patricia

August 13, 2010

Ralph was an exceptional teacher and he taught with his caring and gentle spirit. I was able to see a new dimension in painting through his guidance. I have saved almost all the paintings I did in his workshops. He touched all of us in such a meaningful way. I will miss his words of wisdom. America will honor him in history as one of the greats! Janice Donelson,Vienna, Va.

Chris & Kathie Kemp

August 13, 2010

To Pete and the Smith Family: Thank you for sharing Mr. Smith's integrity as a person and his gracious talent as an artist. We never met him but we have met his son, and see the man reflected in Pete. Godspeed and many blessings to Mr. Smith and his loved ones. We send tribute to a life well-lived and loved. Chris and Kathie

John Wheeler

August 13, 2010

Pete, Bev and Mrs. Smth...my memories of Mr. Smith will always be filled with a lot of laughs mixed with awe as I watched what he was able to create on canvas. However, I also knew Mr. Smith, the non-painter, for almost 50 years. He was a kind person who kept a close eye on all of us boys while not having to say to much to keep us in-line. I feel very honored to have known him and to count his family as my own. You are all in my thoughts, John

August 12, 2010

Pete, your father was a fascinating and amazing person. Thanks for sharing his life with us. Our thoughts are with you and your family. We love you brother and are here for you and Sherry if you need anything at all. Hutch.

Jeff & Melody McKeel

August 12, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Anne Was

August 11, 2010

There cannot be many people who have lived and breathed painting the way Ralph did during the years I knew him. Only his family took precedence over painting in his life - he adored them and spoke of each one of them lovingly and proudly. He was passionate about life, humorous, generous, and gentle in his attitude. One thing which I loved about him in such an unreliable world was his steadfast integrity. And oh, his sense of humor!! I remember many occasions when he was reduced to tears of laughter over a memory (such as the time two portrait paintings - one being Kemper Dobbins' self-portrait - when put beside eachother in a Nags Head critique session, stared glaringly at eachother).
I've been looking over my notebooks from workshops, re-reading Ralph's words of wisdom. A wonderful book could be written (and maybe it will be someday) about what he taught us. But one of my favorite quotes from him is "When I paint, I'm trying to steal nature's secrets."
Ralph, your students would say you succeeded in doing just that. You were always striving to learn and improve, and you insisted that your students do no less. You painted for yourself, for the joy of it, and not to please anyone else. As a friend mentioned to me yesterday, it would be nice to hope that you are painting right now, since that would mean without doubt that you are truly, truly happy.
We'll miss you, but we will never forget you.

Peter Smith

August 11, 2010

WHAT DAD MEANT TO ME: Dad always supported me in everything I did no matter what it was. From a very young age I always remember his love for painting and the outdoors. My dad would always take me to one of the area lakes so that I could fish, while I fished dad would paint. I have several of his painting hanging on my walls today that bring back the fond memories of some of my favorite fishing holes. Alot of people have photos but I have my dad's paintings to remember these places.

Every year dad would take the family on the annual trip to South Dakota to visit with mom's family. We all really enjoyed those trips, but I think my dad enjoyed it the most. Imagine two kids traveling by car 1800 miles with no A/C, no Ipods or any other electronic devices to pass the time, WOW!

As you probably might have guessed by now I had to go fishing, and several mornings before dawn, dad, Grammy and I would head off to Sheridan Lake for a day of fishing. What a magical time! We always filled our cooler with a limit of Rainbow Trout.

One of the other things we would do was hunt for Dinosaur bones in the Badlands, we found quite a few and boy was it hot!

Later in my teens dad would pack us all up and head to Maine. Dad would spend the days being instructed in painting and I, of course, would go fishing. Dad always wanted to know what I had caught that day.

As you can tell I did alot of fishing and not much painting. I tried with dad's patient help. I would start a painting get frustrated and dad would have to help me finish it. I still have these paintings and maybe someday soon I might take up painting again.

One of the true joys my dad would get out of painting was when people would ask the meaning of one of his pieces. He would just smile and say "what does this painting mean to you"? Dad always loved to hear what people had to say.

My dad always worked very hard in his life and also enjoyed life tremendously. Dad was a great provider for mom and us, and a great Father to me, he also was a great friend. My dad was strict but fair. Dad made me earn everything that I wanted in life and looking back I would not have wanted it any other way. I am the man I am today because of my dad and I thank him for that. I was pretty lucky that leading up to my dad's passing that he told me how proud he was of me and I hope that I came close to his expectations.

Chris Haltigan

August 6, 2010

Ralph was a true friend and mentor for so long. I wish everyone could have a friend like Ralph, with his gentle caring spirit, humor, guidance, and respect for each friend's ideas. He showed us the wider world of travel with fellow artists and encouraged his students to keep growing. He was a true master in his art. Many very good artists respect his work and acknowedged his talent. I miss him so much and know we have lost an exceptional man.

Chica Brunsvold

August 5, 2010

Ralph was an artist's artist, true to his convictions and yet eager to investigate and try new methods and ideas. He shared that eagerness with his students and did his very best to help them excel in whatever they attempted. His gentle, reserved nature is rare indeed in one with his vast talent. He received the highest honors in the American and Virginia Watercolor Societies but seemed even more delighted when his students achieved success! He was amazingly unassuming and kind and deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest of the great masters.

August 4, 2010

"A life well-lived leaves its gentle pattern on the hearts of all and the world is a livelier place because one person touched it with warmth and goodness and grace." He will be missed. Pauline Lorfano and members of Potomac Valley Watercolorists

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