David McKenzie Smith

He was born May 15, 1914 in Worcester, MA, a son of the late Malcolm Kenneth Smith and Mary Ann Kent Smith. He was a 1933 graduate of North High School in Worcester.

On May 24, 1941 he married Katherine Blake Douglas who survives.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946.

Mr. Smith studied accounting and business administration at Boston University and became one of the first generation of Certified Public Accountants, receiving certificate # 1117 in Massachusetts in 1946. After several years of public accounting and auditing for industries in New England he became Comptroller of Boston University in 1958. He later was comptroller of Elmira College in Elmira, NY from 1963 to 1966. In 1966 he became Treasurer of the University of Pittsburgh, which was struggling and nearly bankrupt. He guided the University through its entry into the State University system and its expansion in the late 60’s and 70’s. He also helped structure the partnership between the University’s Medical School and Presbyterian Hospital which eventually became U.P.M.C. He lectured for several professional organizations on endowment management.

Upon retirement from the University he and his wife, Kay moved to a small farm in Carmichaels where he planted an orchard and extensive organic garden, cut hay, and boarded cattle for many years. In his retirement he lent his expertise to many local boards including: the Cumberland Township Zoning Hearing Board the Flenniken Memorial Library, the Greene County Library System, and the Greene County Planning Commission.

He later moved to Waynesburg where he was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Warrior Trail Association and AARP No. 3805. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 50 years and was currently a member of Waynesburg Lodge No. 153 F. & A.M.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons, Douglas Kent Smith (Kathleen Stratton Smith) of Canonsburg, Donald McKenzie Smith of Cuenca, Ecuador, and Malcolm Blake Smith (Clemmie Hannigan Smith) of Carmichaels; three granddaughters, Lauren Katherine Smith Farah (Michael), Samantha Smith Carter (Mike), and Jennifer Ellen Smith Ross (Jared); five great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Katherine Farah, Trenton, Sophia, and Joselyn Carter.

Deceased are two sister Adelaide Smith Helstrom and Isabel Smith Poti; and two brothers, Malcolm Kent Smith and Dr. Arthur Kent Smith.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church 112, North Richhill St., Waynesburg with Rev. Gary Grau officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Warrior Trail Association, PO Box 103, Waynesburg, PA 15370-0103. Condolences may be offered at www.behmfuneralhomes.net.