Bartholomew "Bart" Smith

Bart spent his early years living in a traditional adobe house on the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Though he lived off the reservation for a short time, most of his school years were spent there running in the desert with his sisters Iris and Sonia, brother Mark, and many, many cousins.

Desiring to improve things for his family, after graduating from Maricopa High School in 1985, he studied at Central Arizona College and Arizona State University (Forks Up) and graduated as the first member of his family with a bachelor's degree. While he loved art, he found that a degree in art didn’t pay the bills, so he returned to school and received two master’s Degrees from the University of Phoenix. He was one of the first members of his tribe to accomplish an advanced degree. He then went to work helping the tribe open Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino as one of their earliest employees. During his time with Harrah’s he worked in almost every department and learned all aspects of the business.

Wanting to truly help his community, he went to work for the tribe, first as the Tribal Planner and finally as Operations Manager for Ak-Cin. In these roles, he greatly expanded the community enterprises. He was instrumental in expanding the community farms, including bringing Hickman’s Eggs to the farm. Bart was excited to expand the recreation opportunities by adding a golf course and an entertainment center, Ak-Chin Circle. Through the addition of these and other operations, Ak-Chin was able to become self-sustaining and improve the lives of its people by adding homes for members, a senior center, and educational programs. He said he was most proud of being able to give back to his community.

Bart got most of his joy from spending time with his family, especially his grandson, Omar. A huge Devil’s fan, he loved tailgating before football games. He continued to enjoy drawing and painting and leaves behind artwork to keep his memory alive.

Bart is predeceased by his father Sylvester. He is survived by his mother Consuela Narcia and his siblings, Iris Smith, Sonia Narica and Mark Narcia. He also leaves to remember him his three children, Graham Disbrow and Hannah and Harrison Smith, along with one grandson Omar Mendoza with another expected in September.

Friday, May 2, 2025, Memorial Service will be held at the Ak-Chin Gym from 4-6 pm. Wake will follow at the Smith residence, 12993 N Farm Lane, Maricopa, AZ, staring at 6 pm.

Saturday, May 3, 2025 Funeral Mass will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Mission Church, starting at 7 am.

Burial is to follow at the Ak-Chin Cemetery.