Bertram Otis Smith Obituary (1920 - 2013)

Few individuals have the benefit of a life as full, as long and as well- loved as Bertram Otis Smith who bid farewell to the world on June 25, 2013 in Waterville. Bert's unfailing warmth, authentic charm and enduring curiosity were treasured by all who knew him. He was a wonderful husband, devoted father, adored brother, cherished uncle, and an unparalleled grandparent and great-grandparent. His passing will reverberate through many hearts, likely more than he could ever have realized. Bert was born in Massena, New York on December 11, 1920. He was the son of Charles Lynn Smith and Marie Frances Rundstrom Smith. He attended public schools in Eliot Maine, graduating from Eliot High School in 1939. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the Unites States Marines. His tour of duty included the initial landing on Guadalcanal and other nearby South Pacific Islands. The events of Operation Watchtower had a profound and life- long impact on him. He married the love of his life, Nancy Elliot Welch on December 11, 1944, and they shared fifty-eight very special years together. Bert would tell you that his life really began with his marriage to Nancy. Soon after their marriage, Bert graduated from Farmington State College and then from Bangor Theological Seminary. Prior to his service in the Marines, Bert worked as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the post- depression years where he served as an electrician's apprentice traveling throughout New England. After the war, Bert served as minister for Congregational Churches in Marlboro, Norwichtown, Lebanon, and Canterbury, CT, and also for several Maine communities. He also worked for a short time as an elementary school teacher in Norwich, CT. Bert and Nancy had four children whom they treasured. For many years, he and Nancy ran the Wainwright Farm in Killingly, CT, where they were also foster parents for children with special needs. This important work for them endured for decades, and in total they hosted 38 children on the farm, valuing them as important people in their family. Bert's hobbies included reading, enjoying classical music and public radio, gardening, wood carving, and home restoration. His Americana style of wood carving was a true talent and his favorite subjects were Santa Clauses, birds, and gardeners. These carvings always came with witty inscriptions that imparted his priceless sense of humor along with his signature art work. Bert was predeceased by his wife Nancy, his brothers Earland Smith and Herman Smith, by sons Wayne Elliot Smith and David Charles Smith, and by daughter in law Joyce Ellen Smiley Smith. He is survived by his daughter Marilyn Jane Smith of Waterville, and his son Gary Newell Smith and his wife Kristin Ann Holm of Winslow; grandchildren Sara Elizabeth Smiley Smith and her husband Dean Hosgood of Hamden CT, Evan Sedgwick Smiley Smith and his fianc Jamie Sparta of Portland, Drew Elliot Smiley Smith of Washington D.C., Regan Elizabeth Smiley Smith of Windham, step grandchildren Erik Holm Pendleton of Brooklyn NY, and Michael Holm Pendleton of Burlington VT, and one great grandchild Finnleigh Acadia Hosgood of Hamden CT. The family would like to express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to HealthReach Hospice for their superb care and attention to our father and grandfather over the past year. It was the very special care of Tasha, Michelle, Chuck and other members of the Hospice Team that made his final months and days wonderfully special, and filled with happiness. We can say with certainty that this team of individuals became true friends of Bert's, and he valued their conversations and his time with them immensely. As we have come to know this team, it has become clear that they gained a great deal through caring for Bert as well. One caretaker, Michelle, commented that the world will not be as bright a place without him; we agree! Friends may call on the family on Monday evening, July 1 from 5-8 PM, at the home of Gary Smith and Kristin Holm at 4 Randall Road in Winslow. A celebration of Bert's life will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, July 2, at the Winslow Congregational Church, Lithgow Street, Winslow.