David Dewitt Smith MD

David D. Smith, MD, 82, passed away on December 1, 2010 after a sudden and brief illness He was born to the union of Lloyd and Effie Smith on October 8, 1928 in Milwaukie, Oregon. Survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Marjorie A. Smith, children: David (Betsy) Smith, Oswego, IL; Britt (Sue) Smith, Grand Junction, CO; Craig (Denise) Smith, Flagstaff, AZ.; Nancy Smith (Merlin) Vincent; Colorado Springs, CO; Nancy Lynn Nichols, Boise, ID; Scott Nichols, Flagstaff, AZ; and twelve grandchildren; also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Dr. Smith completed his premed studies at the University of Oregon in two years,1954-1956. He received his Medical Degree from the University of Oregon Medical School, Portland, Oregon in 1958. Dr. Smith completed a four year residency at San Bernardino County Hospital in California specializing in Family Medicine. He began his medical practice career in Family Medicine, opening a private practice in Flagstaff, AZ for 11 years. In 1973 he became Director of Clinical Services, Department of Family Practice at the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center, Portland, OR. He specialized in establishing, accrediting and developing Family Medicine Residencies programs, first in Lewiston, ME at Central Maine Medical Center, 1977-1980. In 1981-1985 he was Director of Family Practice Center at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX . 1985-1991 he was the Director of the Family Medicine Residency program at St. Mary Corwin Medical Center in Pueblo, CO. After his retirement from St. Mary Corwin, he became a residency accreditation field staff member for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, Chicago, IL. 1991-1994. Dave’s passion was teaching, challenging residents, and creating competent and knowledgeable physicians. He had a great compassion for medicine and healing. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10am, King of Kings Lutheran Church on Saturday, December 11, 2010. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made through the funeral home in Dr. Smith’s name to the Cancer Patient Need Fund or Sangre de Cristo Hospice. Please visit David’s memorial at www.mem.com. Arrangements by Imperial Funeral Home