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SMITH DON H.
DON H. SMITH
Don H. Smith, age 78, passed away April 30, at home, peacefully, of heart disease.
Survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen (Noyes); daughters, Kim Newell (David) of Hartford; Kelly Spalding of Boston, and son, Alberto Espay (Jenni) of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Samuel and Audrey Newell, and Samuel and Isabelle Espay.
Don was one of the founders and first president of The Valley Art Center.
His career was in the home furnishings industry. He was National Accounts Manager, then VP Sales for Leggett and Platt, Inc. He was recruited to help start up the Consumer Products Division in Chicago where the Smiths resided prior to Don's retirement in 1998. He was a million - mile frequent flyer in those capacities.
In their village of Lake Bluff, Illinois, Don served as Park Board Commissioner 8 years, chairing the golf course and beach committees.
Don left the Chagrin/Solon area in 1979 to own and operate a family-style restaurant in Albuquerque known as The Hiway House on Route 66. There he managed to play golf year-round every afternoon except Sunday.
While attending Hiram College, Don was twice elected MVP in basketball, played baseball; was sports publicity director and head resident of the men's dorm.
Don served 3½ years active duty in the Army, First Cavalry Division, during the Korean Conflict before enrolling at Hiram.
As a youth in Cleveland, Don sang in the Boy's Choir at Trinity Cathedral and joined the YMCA for which, in later years, he volunteered in Y's Men. He attended Brownell Elementary and East High School, but graduated from Bedford High School in 1949.
A service of remembrance was held at Parkside Church May 2.
The family would like to express gratitude to the Care Corps of Geauga County for it's exceptional kindness and support. Condolence messages are welcome to K.N. Smith , PO Box 784, Parkman, OH 44080.
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