Robert Dean Smith

Bob was born in Shreveport, Louisiana July 21, 1950 to Dee and Jerry Smith. As his dad was career Air Force, Bob considered himself an ‘Air Force Brat’ growing up in Louisiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Okinawa, Colorado and New Mexico.

Bob was a graduate of Del Norte High School (Albuquerque), attending New Mexico State and the University of New Mexico as well as the Colorado Institute of Art (Denver). Bob enjoyed a career as a graphic artist, working in commercial art departments with companies & universities and also did freelance work.

While working as a lab technician at UNM, Bob met Carolyn Glaubensklee, who was working on her dissertation research in the same lab. This was the love of his life and they were a lifetime match! They moved to the San Francisco area where she did postgraduate research and he did medical illustration. Then they relocated to Colorado after the 1989 earthquake where she became a medical educator and he worked for Current. They ALWAYS supported each other. They moved from medical school to medical school, which gave them several residences in several communities, with neighbors that became lifelong friends! Their home was always welcoming and became a centerpiece for holidays and celebrations. Hosting was SO natural for them and they were known for their hospitality. They took care of people.

Bob would listen and always tried to help. Though they had no children, they had many fur babies, who were showered with their love. Bob was always seen walking his dog babies, he was a lifelong dog dad. Bob was just a genuine, all around, good guy and everyone knew it. That was his secret power. That said, he had broad-based knowledge that made him a really remarkable Jeopardy player. And he and Carolyn liked to have fun, whether it was a night at the casino or playing games with Carolyn’s students—you could count on them for fun! He also had a great sense of humor and dry wit. One of his favorite phrases was “WELL”!!!

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn and his parents. He leaves behind, his brother Bill Smith (Ann), a nephew Bryan Smith, devoted sister-in-law Marilyn Glaubensklee and his beloved dogs “Poopa” and “Jack”.

A Funeral/Celebration of Life will be held at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 6747 E Broadway Rd. Mesa, Arizona 85206, on February 23rd at 1:00 p.m. A reception will followed immediately in the same location.

A possible memorial bench is being contemplated by his neighbors, with more information to follow.