Robin Clark Smith

Robin Clark (Rob) Smith went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 3, surrounded by his wife, Pat, daughter, Victoria, son Scott and his family (via Skype), and loving extended family. He fought a good fight, battling heart and lung disease. Rob was born in Mount Kisko, NY on August 28, 1940, and grew up in Pleasantville, NY. He was active in Boy Scouts (Eagle Scout), church and music activities. A graduate of Penn State University, he served in the Air Force during the Vietnam era as a manpower officer. Rob received his Master's Degree and Doctor of Business Administration from George Washington University all while attending night school. He was an early pioneer in use of computer technology in public school administration. In 1973 he was invited to help start a new, private University in Killeen, Texas and was the only faculty person in the Business Department of American Technological University (ATU). In 1981 Rob became Director of Corporate Planning at American Desk Manufacturing in Temple, Texas, leaving American Desk in 1991 to head his own consulting business. In 1994 he accepted an invitation return to higher education at University of Central Texas (formerly ATU) as head of the MBA program, where he continued teaching during its transition to Tarleton State University - Central Texas (now Texas A & M Central Texas) until his retirement in January 2005. Rob married Patricia (Pat) Naizer Green, the love of his life, in 1992. In jest he said he "experienced 18 years of marital bliss - a total of 20." He was active in community service activities both locally and internationally during his entire life. In recent years Rob focused on service through Rotary International, an organization committed to world peace and on community activities, serving with a variety of other civic or social service organizations. He continued his interest in music through various vocal performance groups in the area and was involved in various capacities at First Presbyterian Church where he was a deacon. He enjoyed travel throughout the world, as well as cultural activities. He had such a giving heart to include working with missionaries in the jungles of Guatemala and in the ghettos of Mexico. He especially loved working with the youth of his church. Rob was such a good man and admired by many. Survivors include his wife Patricia Smith of Temple; a son Scott Olson and wife Anna, of Portland, Oregon; a daughter Victoria Olson of Boulder, Colorado; two stepchildren Keith Green of Austin and Kevin Green of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; two brothers Bruce Smith, and wife Lois, of Hilton Head, South Carolina and Jan Smith, and wife Nora, of Boulder, Colorado; one sister Sue Davis, and husband Chuck, of Alexandria, Virginia; four grandchildren Jaden and Jonah Olson and Beck and Jett Olson; two brothers-in-law, Ray Naizer, and wife Charlotte, of Salado and Greg Naizer, and wife Nancy, of Cedar Park; sister-in-law Lori Monahan ,and husband John, of Friendswood and many nieces, nephews , great nieces and nephews and countless friends who will miss him greatly. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Temple, Texas, or the Rotary International Foundation. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 6, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. Memorial services for Robin Clark Smith, 72, of Temple will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, February 7, at First Presbyterian Church in Temple, Texas, with Dr. Ken Ritchie officiating. Private burial will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 8 at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.