In Memory of . . . Roger H. Smith (1936-2011)

The Rev. Dr. Roger H. Smith died on August 10, 2011. He was 75 years old. Rev. Smith was born in Toppenish, WA, on February 18, 1936, to Horace
J. Smith and Margie C. Smith. Rev. Smith received his BA from Washington State University in 1959 and his MS and PhD from North Carolina State University in 1963 and 1965, respectively. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry in 1978.

Rev. Smith served at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka in Wayzata, Minnesota, where he was ordained in 1979. He later served at the Community UU Church in Pasco, WA, and the Northlake UU Church in Kirkland, WA. While in Wayzata, Rev. Smith helped found a local church coalition (Interfaith Outreach) to serve the needs of the community. Today that organization has grown and is a vibrant part of the community.

Prior to becoming a Unitarian Universalist minister, Rev. Smith was a research biologist. He worked for the NASA program in Oak Ridge, Tennessee following the completion of his doctorate. He then worked for the International Atomic Energy Association at a laboratory in Greece. Following his return from Greece,
he worked briefly for Washington State University before changing careers and becoming a minister. After a two-year stint working at the Environmental Protection Agency in Olympia, WA, he returned once again to the ministry. He and his wife, Jane traveled and worked in California, New Jersey, and Japan.
In later years, they had also founded a home-based business germinating orchid seeds for hobbyists, a business, which Rev. Smith maintained until his death.

Rev. Smith is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jane A. Smith, his daughter Jewell Smith and two step-sons, Brian Treber of St. Paul, MN and Kent Treber of Issaquah, WA.

A memorial service for Rev. Smith was held at the East Shore Unitarian Church, 12700 SE 32nd St., Bellevue, WA on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. Notes of condolence may be sent to his wife, Jane Smith, 13206 233rd Ave., SE, Issaquah, WA 98027.