Roderic Alan Smith passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at the age of 97. He was a long time resident of Houston, Texas, born September 5, 1921 in Belmont, MA to Wilbur Jacob Smith and Lola Adele Pupikofer Smith. Their only son, Rod shared his life with his three sisters, Mary Louise, Janet and Barbara. Growing up in Maine, he spent his childhood fishing, hunting and dreaming of flying an airplane.
He attended Rice Institute for 3 years and graduated from University of Houston in 1943 with a degree in engineering. Employed through the years by Boeing, Fish Engineering, Bechtel, Brown & Root, Heddrick Engineering, Lummus Construction, Fluor and Foster Wheeler, he worked on a myriad of projects from pipelines to refineries to dams and airports. Rod was an accomplished Professional Engineer, working until his early 80’s.
As a member of the greatest generation, Rod served in the United States Navy during WWII stationed in Bremerton, WA and retiring as a Lieutenant. He later married Margaret Lindstedt, they had three children, Alan, Don and Leslie.
Moving back to Houston in the 70’s to work, Rod met the love of his life, Odette. They both graduated from Reagan High School in 1939 but had never met. Married in 1973, they shared a life of family, travel and spiritual growth.
Rod taught his children the value of honesty, hard work and perseverance. He loved the outdoors and all the creatures that were part of it. He taught everyone he could or would listen to him, to appreciate Nature and the value for honoring it all.
Rod loved to play bridge, read and listen to music. Receiving his pilots license in 1977, he was able to fulfill his childhood dream. As much as he appreciated a home cooked meal, one of his joys was going out to dinner and treating everyone, his tips were sometimes larger than the bill. He loved to fish and hunt but deep down he only used those activities to enjoy being outdoors. He enjoyed sharing the experiences of his life and made sure to spend as much time as possible with the people he loved; even when there was not the time or the money, he somehow made it work. He loved teaching and rarely spoke of his accomplishments. He would light up when anyone came to visit and always had an extra shrimp on his plate to share. He was quick to brag about the accomplishments of his family and had a unique gift of reading others and accepting them for themselves. He never missed a chance to give a compliment or help another in need. Rod was a man of honesty, kindness and integrity, truly one of a kind.
Rod leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Odette Elaine Carlson Smith. His children: Dr. Alan Smith MD., (Linda), Don Smith PhD., (May), and Leslie Smith. Step-children: D’Ann Blanton (Glenn), Dwight Carlson (Cathy), and Donna Webster (Howard). He was Papa Rod to grandchildren: Jonathan Smith (Trish) Evan Smith (Emily), Troy Derks (Vanessa), Laura Domingue (Lee), Michael Carlson (Carmen), Lauren Carlson, Travis Starnes (Linnea), Christina Carlson, and Christopher Carlson. His great grandchildren: Kayla Derks, Kyra Derks, Troy Derks, Winston Domingue (Londyn), Harrison Domingue (Samantha), Grayson Domingue (Lauren), Ashton Domingue, Isabella Domingue, Lillian Carlson and Nora Carlson. Great-great grandchildren: Emory Derks, Evelyn Domingue, Zara Domingue, Ezra Smith and Eleanor Smith.
Rod and Odette met neighbors when they lived in Houston that became lifelong friends. So much so that they were added to their list of kids. Always there when they needed a sons help. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Tim Kent and Steve Ayers, so much more than friends.
Rod was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Louise, Janet, Barbara and stepson Wayne Carlson.
Rod had some very special women that watched over him the last few years of his life; Kelly, Theresa, Christine, Cheryl, Diana, Kay, Kathy, Jessica, Adilia, Sue and Kim. He loved and appreciated them all and made it a point to thank them daily. They took great care of him and kept him in good spirits. The family will be eternally grateful for the kindness and love they showed him.
Rod and his gigantic Spirit will be missed, but not forgotten.
Rod, you are loved.
Memorial services to be held in Cypress, TX on Friday, January 4, 2019 at 2:00 pm in the Heritage at Town Lake Lodge; 19201 N. Canyon Lake Springs Dr., Cypress, TX 77433.
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