After 85 years of optimism, kindness, and grace, Owen “Bud” M. Smith, Sr., passed away on June 24, 2017. An avid boatman, he was a gentleman from stem to stern though as a true seafarer, could be a bit salty at times.

Born in Kingston, NY, on July 29, 1931, son of E. Macleod and Kathleen (Owens) Smith, Godson of Alf Evers. His childhood kindled a deep-rooted love for the Catskill Mountain region - years later, with his 5 children, he would return to visit each fall.

Graduating from Edward Little HS in Auburn in 1948, his yearbook described him as “a trim dresser with a wonderful laugh and swell manners, a first rate friend, always at home on the dance floor”, traits he exemplified throughout his life. He graduated UMaine Orono with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1952, and within three weeks had married Ann Parker Preble and moved to Ft. Monmouth, NJ where he was a First Lieutenant and Commanding Officer in the U.S. Army.

Owen’s career began in Manhattan, and later brought the family to Montrose, NY where he founded the Owen M. Smith Co., an engineering consulting firm. In Montrose, he was involved in civic and church activities, making some of his strongest and most enduring friendships. A loving father, he fostered an enthusiasm for the outdoors through many camping adventures, including a summer long cross-country trip, and vacations in Maine.

After 20 years in NY, he returned to Auburn, and founded Smithwood Inc., employing 100 people. Over the years he was an active member at the Kora Temple, Rotary Club and High Street Congregational Church. Owen and Ann retired to a home in Round Pond that he designed and filled with Shaker-style furniture he made himself. He enjoyed cruising the Maine waters, and also voyaged to Florida and back along the Intracoastal Waterway.

He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Helen Vosburgh and Barbara Temple, wife Ann, and grandson Benjamin Owen Smith.
Owen met Wendy Kemp in the later part of his life, 4 years after Ann’s death, and was fortunate to find true love again. They were blessed with 15 years of loving companionship and became happy "snowbirds", spending their winters in Florida and summers in Maine. Together they enjoyed family gatherings, cultural events, travel at home and abroad, and boating. Owen was greatly loved by both families and will be sorely missed.

His True North was family: his five children and their spouses Cynthia Thibodeau (Steve), Jennifer Sweeney (Greg), Owen Smith Jr (Leigh Paige), Alyson Ciechomski (Brad), and Craig Smith (Leslie), 14 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Owen was passionate about their genealogy, tracing the family ancestry back to the 1600’s. Though rooted in history, Owen was always on the cutting edge of technology, texting and emailing family and friends even in his last days. He had a twinkle in his eye, enjoyed every minute of life, and will be remembered for his positivity, curiosity, and wisdom.

The family will hold a private memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to The Little Brown Church. Send checks to Brown Church, 53 Back Shore Rd, Round Pond, ME 04564 or https://www.gofundme.com/OMSmithSrBrownChurch

Hall's of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences to the family please visit www.hallfuneralhomes.com.