Paul A Smith

Dr. Paul Smith loving husband, wonderful father and accomplished microbiologist/scientist expired on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. Paul is survived by his sons; Michael, Stephen and Jeffrey, Daughter In-Laws

; Linda, Janet and Evelyn, Grandsons; Reed, Mathew and Scott, Granddaughters; Ann, Allison and Kenieth. Paul and M. Beverly were happily married for over 60 years. She was not only his loving companion, but also his stalwart right hand assisting him through both times of success and hardship.

We learned the value of hard work and how to deal with hardships from our father. Paul’s parents; Hazel and Albert, a coal miner, lacked the financial means to raise five sons and daughters. Thus, Paul’s parents sent him and his sister Rhea to live with their aunts in Ithaca, New York. After living in Ithaca a few short weeks, Paul began working at the age of eleven.

Paul graduated from Cornell in1939 with a PhD in microbiology. When World War II broke out that very year, Dr. Smith enlisted in the Navy and was appointed to a scientific team working on biological warfare in response to potential threats from Japan.

Following WWII Paul moved to Denver, CO to pursue his dream of opening his own lab which later became known as PASCO. PASCO was known worldwide, producing nearly every diagnostic media known to man, for physicians, hospitals and research facilities. Paul was particularly known for revolutionizing an important product; MIC, microwell plates. He designed his own machine incorporating a computerized system to read the inoculated plates, further; Paul integrated a system for storing files; the PASCO Data Management System. This system held a database that generated reports on the findings. His machine and computerized system came to fruition in the early 70s, when computers were only then beginning to hit the mainstream!

Paul unfailingly wore a smile and was always ready with a hand extended in friendship. Dr. Smith was a generous man to his friends and those in need whom he met in the course of his life; he was loved by all. We, his sons, could not have had a better father!

A Celebration of Paul's life will be Wednesday, July 27, 2011, 2:00pm - 4:00 pm, Denver Marriot West, 1717 Denver West Blvd, Golden, CO.