Robert Smith, Sr.

Robert Luke Smith, Sr.

Bob Smith, 73, of Concord passed away peacefully at his home Saturday August 6, 2016 with family, love and the feeling of peace within him.

He was born in Northfield Falls, Vermont on Dec. 11, 1942, one of six children born to Walter and Mary (Provost) Smith.

Bob had endless great memories about growing up on the family farm in Danville.  If you spent any amount of time with him, much of that time would have been spent listening to him tell you about all the good times he had growing up and throughout his life.  And he would tell you the amount of good times most certainly out-weighed all the tough times.

Bob enjoyed the outdoors and spent a great deal of time fishing and hunting.  He could be seen on various rivers and streams throughout the Northeast Kingdom casting a line and enjoying the day. Prior to retirement, Bob worked in many career fields all of which kept him busy building something. There are many homes, buildings, roads and railroads throughout New England that bore his skilled craftsmanship. He had a wealth of knowledge which made him a resourceful man.  He was accomplished and took great pride in his carpentry, mechanics, electrical and nearly any other hands-on craft, and he took every opportunity to teach and pass those skills on to others.

Bob served in the United States Army from 1962 through 1971. He traveled the world crossing the oceans many times. He held various positions but was always most proud of being a paratrooper of the 508th Airborne Infantry Regiment (Red Devils).

Bob had a great sense of humor and was quick with a joke.  He had a unique gift of being able to tell others exactly how he felt or thought.

Of all the things Bob did and enjoyed throughout his life, his greatest love was to his family. Bob and Janet were the foundation of their immediate and extended families. They were the one constant in the lives of many, opening their home to those who needed a place to stay or get back on the right path.

He is survived by his wife Janet; four children: Robert L. Smith Jr. and wife Lisa of Mubane N.C., Tim L. Smith and wife Patti of Concord, Walter F. Smith and wife Laurie of Danville, Candida ‘Candi’ Smith and husband Larry of Calais; seven grandchildren: Robert’s children Isabella, Luke, and Adella; Walter’s two boys Andrew and Bradley; Candi’s two children Forrest and Cheyenne. One surviving brother Francis Smith and wife Irene of Concord; his sister Marilyn Gadapee of Danville; two sisters-in-law: Suzanne Smith of Isle La Motte, Susan Smith of St. Johnsbury; nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Bob was predeceased by three brothers, Reggie, Dale, and Lee Smith, and by Marilyn’s husband Wayne Gadapee.

A funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Johnsbury this Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church.  Cremation will follow the Mass with public graveside services the following day, Thursday, at 1 p.m at the Danville Green Cemetery, concluding with military honors.

Memorial contributions could be directed to The Veteran’s Place, 220 Vine St., Northfield VT 05663; or to Blue Star Mothers, PO Box 195, Bakersfield VT 05441.

Memories and condolences may be shared privately at www.saylesfh.com.  The Sayles Funeral Home is located at 525 Summer St. in St. Johnsbury.