Gordon Leigh Smith ’58

Gordie died July 29, 2022, in Laramie, Wyo. He was 87.

He came to Princeton from Phillips Exeter Academy, where he participated in football, track, and lacrosse. In 1953, he was All-New England lacrosse, and his team won the championship. At Princeton, he majored in psychology, was a member of Ivy Club, led the freshman lacrosse team in scoring, and was on the varsity lacrosse team for three years. He was an All-American lacrosse player in 1958.

After graduation, he went to Michigan Law School, served in the Marines, and settled in Cleveland with his wife, Karen, and daughters Kristin and Gretchen. He worked as an estate and probate lawyer for several banks.

After his daughters went to college, Gordie and Karen expanded their commitment to volunteering. Gordie was a National Ski Patroller and a ski instructor. In 2016, he and Karen moved to Cheyenne, Wyo., to watch the younger grandchildren finish their high school careers. Karen died in October 2016, and Gordie went to live with Gretchen and her family in Pine Bluffs, Wyo. He found great joy and peace in their home as he lived out his final chapter in their presence and care.

Gordie is survived by his daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. The class extends its deepest sympathy to them all.