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Val Smith Obituary
Val was born in 1950 in Lubbock, Texas, the son of Fray and Marcia (Dunn) Smith. He met his wife of 43 years, Marilyn Smith, on the KU campus. After receiving bachelor's degrees in Biology and Chemistry, the couple went to Rutgers Univ. for Masters studies. From there, they went to the Univ. of Minnesota, where Val received his Ph.D., followed by a postdoc at McGill Univ. in Montreal. He was a faculty member at UNC and a visiting scientist at the Univ. of Montreal, before returning to Lawrence in 1993 as a faculty member in the KU Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Val leaves behind an important scientific legacy, with many impactful papers in aquatic ecology, biofuels and the ecology of infectious diseases. He was an engaging speaker and was honored with teaching awards during his years of service.
In addition to his amazing intellect, Val was dedicated to his family. His wife Marilyn and daughters Niki Smith of Germany and Rosie Smith of Salt Lake City, UT, were by his side this week. Also with him were his sister and brother-in-law, Bridget and John Wilson of Albuquerque, NM.
Val truly made a difference in people's lives, particularly his huge extended "family" (students, trainees and collaborators). He was an exceptionally kind man, dedicated to the health of Planet Earth. His huge heart, bright wit, and generous spirit will be greatly missed.
Memorials may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, KUMC Cancer Center, or to a charity of donor's choice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Val Smith
5 Entries
Andy Ziegler
April 9, 2016
Val was the epitome of what we hope to attain in life and was gloriously successful! His family, science, and the legacy of all of the friends and colleagues were invigorated by and through his enthusiasm, genuine enjoyment of people, and bountiful knowledge. I am saddened by his passing, but am forever enriched by having known him. He was one of those rare individuals that exemplified a convergence of an inquisitive mind, broad interest and experience, a thirst for knowledge, enthusiasm, and blessing everyone with that enthusiasm if they were smart enough to go along for the ride. Whenever I interacted with Val, it was enjoyable, positive, energizing and FUN whatever the topic of discussion was. I offer thanks for those interactions and hopefully we can all try to follow and model his exceptional example.
LeeAnn Bennett
April 8, 2016
I didn't know Val all that well, but I do remember the day he came into my lab looking for Jerry deNoyelles. As many of us know, Jerry can be extremely difficult to locate. I told Val that I hadn't seen Jerry, and then, somehow (I think I had the soundtrack to Jurassic Park playing when he came in) we ended up having quite an interesting discussion about the movie music composed by John Williams. We both agreed that John Williams was a phenomenonal composer. Apparently Val was a big Star Wars fan, too. I really enjoyed our discussion and I think he did, too.
Based on what I have heard from colleagues and students at KBS, Val was a very generous, friendly man. I know that he will be greatly missed by all of us. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Helen and Dave Alexander
April 6, 2016
Val was a person with such endless energy and enthusiasm. He will be certainly missed.
Charles Knapp
April 6, 2016
He had me stand up in front of a class of 300+ students because I wore a green shirt, "Folks...that is the perfect colour of a polluted lake"... next year, another class, "Still got the green shirt?"
His lectures were intriguing; his knowledge of ecology was fascinating! He provided the pivotal inspiration that drove me to pursue a career in environmental science.
He will not be forgotten.
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
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Mickey Woolard
April 6, 2016
Sending you thoughts and prayers!
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Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:
Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
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