Robert J. Smith Jr.

Robert J. Smith (Bob), 97 died peacefully in his Myrtle Beach home on January 3, 2024 with his son John and John’s wife Liz, as well as a close family friend by his side. He was born April 29, 1926 at his Aunt’s home in Ludlow, VT and attended Black River Academy until they closed and graduated from Black River High School in 1942.

Bob had an incredible and interesting life. In the 40’s he was in the Air Force stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, TX when the war ended. After returning home he met his first wife Phylis Pelkey and they had two children Barbara and John Smith. Bob bulldozed trails at what would become Okemo Ski Area where he later became a ski instructor and eventually the Mountain Manager. He left Okemo to become the New England dealer for Tucker Sno-Cats. During this time he also bought an airplane, built an airstrip and then got his pilot's license.

In 1978 he retired and with his second wife, Jean Brough they back and forth between Vermont, Colorado and South Carolina. After extensive traveling, in his late 70’s he went back to logging on his land, as well as selling firewood and rough cut lumber that he milled on his property. This was his passion along with mowing and he did this until he was 97 when the numerous accidents he had in the woods and his age finally caught up to him.

Bob loved sports, most of which he began later in life. He began skiing in his 20’s, took up tennis at 47; snowmobiling, horseback riding and golf in his 60’s. He was an avid hunter and at one time or another shot deer, bear, elk, moose, caribou and wild boar all over the country.

Bob is predeceased by his first wife Phylis and brother Bill, Jack Nash husband of Barbara Nash and John’s first wife Lynn. Bob is survived by his wife Jean, his daughter Barbara Nash, her daughter Laura, his son John, wife Liz and John’s two children Jeremy Smith, wife Joelle, Zach Smith, wife Amy. Great Grandchildren Eliana and Dylan; Maxwell and Otto. Stepchildren Randy Benson, wife Kitty, Marty Benson, wife Roxi, and SueAnne Starr, along with 4 Step-Grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. A celebration of life will take place in Ludlow, VT in the spring. May he rest in peace.