David Smith

Dave was born in Seattle, Washington on March 11, 1950 in The Swedish Hospital. His father traveled for work as an architect, so he attended Merchant Taylor's Prep School in Rickmansworth, England. From an early age knew he was happiest when he kept himself busy, so he also found a job working at a Spanish construction company owned by a friend of his father before returning to America. His mother was always encouraging exploration from her kids, inspiring his desire to travel for work with his future career. Upon graduation, he attended Indiana University Bloomington, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

He always looked up to his father who served in the Navy during WWII as a Seabee, but he had a passion for flight. He decided to enlist as a member of the The US Air Force. He flew 141 Transport planes for eight years and eventually finished his military career by enlisting in the Reserves and flying C-130's. He was squadron commander at Niagara Falls Reserve Base before retiring in 1989 as he wanted to spend more time with his growing family. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious Service (1980) and The Air Medal (1978) during the Zaire conflict while flying in under fire to rescue US citizens. He remained private about his time in the military, but the work ethic and success he found there would translate into his career and fatherhood.

While still in active duty he finished his Master's degree in Business Management through Central Michigan University. He left the military and was hired by Mobil Oil which later became ExxonMobil. He started as an Automotive Lubricant Account Manager and retired as OEM Account Manager. Dave was an extremely hard worker, traveling extensively around the country for millions of miles. His career involved working with national accounts such as Nissan and Freight Liner. He always took pride in never having to work from an office, preferring the freedom that his job travel offered.

While attending IU he was set up on a blind date by his sister Carol with Vicki Swenby who would go on to become his lifelong partner. On July 3, 1977 he married Vicki after dating for nearly seven years. She was still working in Europe as a Publishing Consultant so they were able to meet in various countries such as Italy, Germany, England and Spain whenever he flew to different air force bases. They settled in Charleston, SC where he was stationed in 1979. Travel was a common passion for them, always at their happiest when they were able to get away from it all for a while together, and later on with their kids.

Dave and his wife Vicki moved a number of times for work, going from Charleston to Pittsburgh and eventually settling in Orchard Park, NY in 1983. What was supposed to be a temporary stay would turn out to be where they would put roots down and grow their family for decades to come. Despite all the travel he always made time to attend all the sports and music activities of their three children, Madison, Troy and Chase. He loved his duties as a grandpa to Adeline and Riley sharing his wonderful dry wit with them too. As much as possible he was always making time for video calls and visits with his grandchildren to watch them learn, play and laugh together.

He approached every aspect of his life with an unparalleled drive for success, leaving a positive impact on everyone who could be a part of it. Pulling others into his orbit was a common occurrence for David, as he would always encourage everyone to join in on his conversations and unique sense of humor. He will be missed for his one of a kind sense of humor, where he found delight from small and strange things such as Spam, fried jalopeno bologna sandwiches always searching for the odd and unique places to explore and eat. He will be remembered for how fully he lived his life, the care and laughter he gave to everyone that was a part of it.

Mr. Smith was predeceased by his father and is survived by his loving mother Maggie, siblings; Carol (Mayor Lloyd) Winneke, Barb (Brent) Cady, Jeanne (Mike) Adams, Steve (Allison) Smith, Mark (Janice) Smith, Wife Vicki and children; Madison (Justin) Smith-Green, Troy Smith, Chase Smith and two grandchildren.

Details for his Zoom Memorial are forthcoming.