Robert W. Smith

Passed away peacefully and gracefully at Sibley Memorial Hospital on Sunday, October 17, 2010, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He is survived by his father, William Arthur Smith; his sister Melinda Smith, and his former wife Patricia Powell Smith; his five children Sibyl Curtis (Scott), Ida Ludlow (Sayre), William Arthur Smith II (Amy), Luke Powell Smith (Jen) and Covington Campbell (Patrick); and his 13 grandchildren, Austin Curtis, Cecily Curtis, Marley Ludlow, August Smith, Lauren Curtis, Powell Smith, Bear Ludlow, Jackie Cooper Ludlow, Mac Smith, Emerson Smith, Milla Smith, Finn Campbell and Linden Smith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Loraine Covington Smith. Mr. Smith was born in Oakland, CA in 1937. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1959, after which he moved to Washington, D.C., where he joined the staff of The Honorable Paul G. Rogers. Mr. Smith worked for 11 years as a lobbyist for Ford Motor Co., a natural extension of his lifelong love of cars. Subsequently, Mr. Smith was president of a trade association, an automobile dealer, and an investment banker. He was a member of the Chevy Chase Club, the Metropolitan Club, and the Gibson Island Club. In addition to all things automotive, he enjoyed sport shooting and music, including early rock and roll, jazz and calypso. Mr. Smith loved his family, and will be fondly remembered for his quick humor, which he retained to his death. A wake will be held this Thursday evening, October 21, from 6 until 8 p.m., at the family's home in Chevy Chase. A Funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 21 at St. Christopher by the Sea, Gibson Island, MD. Memorials may be directed to the Prostate Cancer Research Institute, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 800, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Arrangements entrusted to Joseph Gawler's Sons Inc., Washington, DC.