********************************************************************** Markwick K. Smith, Jr 20 February 2014 ********************************************************************** Norwich, Vt. Mark (Markwick) K. Smith Jr. died peace- fully at his home on Thursday, Feb. 20 surrounded by family. Mark spent his last years ignoring the gather- ing Parkinson’s symptoms and continued to enjoy exer- cise, music, humor, the sounds of words in poetry and writing, world news, sports and the natural beauty of New England. Mark was born in Brooklyn on Feb. 14, 1928 to Markwick Kern Smith Sr., an engineer for AT&T and Elizabeth Morning Smith, a dedicated math teacher. Mark established his love of nature in Vermont during his six years at the Putney School. Next, at MIT, he earned a BA in Geology and a PhD in Geophysics inter- rupted by a tour in the Navy . He joined the Navy repairing naval radar systems. He met his wife, Martia Chapin Reed (Smith), while working at the Putney School summer camp and they were married in Boston in 1951. In 1954, they moved with their first daughter to Dallas, where Mark began his career as a research geophysicist with Geophysical Services Inc. This necessitated much interesting travel to oil crews and offices worldwide. He eventually headed GSI, as president, followed by years as Vice President of the parent company, Texas Instruments. In 1967,Mark was elected into the National Academy of Engineering and later into the Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering. He loved Dallas, his job, horse-back riding in his little spare time and especially the life-long friends they made there. In 1973, he moved with Martia, and their youngest daughter to Vermont where he continued to consult for T.I. and others in Europe for another ten years. In the following years, Mark built a vacation home in East Corinth and earned an MFA in w riting from Vermont College, which resulted in a book, Advantages and Other Stories. Mark enjoyed travel with friends and family, but especially loved coming home to the small towns and rural areas of Vermont where he could ski, play tennis, dance, work in the woods and write. Mark will be missed by his wife, Martia; his children: Karen Steur, Rebecca Sandall and husband Paul, Mark Smith and wife Diane and Jennifer Bixby and husband Mark. Mark was also loved by his grandchildren: Sabrina Boston and husband Byron, Tara Burns and husband Matt; Stephanie, Coleman and Dylan Smith; Emily Sandall, Barry Sandall and wife Bita Cyrus, Laura Sandall; Tucker, Reed, Evan and Kira Bixby; and great grand children Colton, Grady, and Beckett Burns and Ashley Boston; brother-in-law, Lansing Reed and wife Ruth; nieces and nephews, extended family and friends around the country. A celebration of his life will be planned for the spring. A notice will appear later with specifics. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Emily Sandall Foundation at 4213 Springland Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226 and www.emilysandall.org . ********************************************************************** From: martiarsmith2001@comcast.net Subject: Mark Date: February 21, 2014 at 8:21:31 PM CST Dear friends, Sadly, Mark passed away early yesterday morning, Feb. 20th, from advanced Parkinson's symptoms,heart and respiratory failure. He was happily visiting with family and friends up to the last few days. Family are here ,which is wonderful, and I am o.k. We will have an informal celebration of his life in the spring (which means May here). I know the family would love to hear messages or anecdotes or whatever memories of Mark you want to send in an e-mail. NOT required ,of course. Anyone is welcome, but not expected to make the trip. Much love, Martia Please keep in touch. Ronnie, I’m forwarding this message from John W. Wilson. He called to let me know of the passing of Mark Smith, who was an officer for GSI years ago. John wanted to make sure we knew of it. I’m also copying Jon Campbell and Terri West, who knew Mark. In retirement, Mark wrote a book, which is mentioned on the TIAA website. Regards, Max FYI, Mark Smith was a past president of GSI. Best regards, Dot Adler