Russell Marion Smith Jr. ’53

Russ, one of our most amiable and fun-loving classmates, died Aug. 8, 2002, of cardiac arrest in Denver, Colo.

Arriving from Hinsdale HS, Russ concentrated in history, was managing editor of the Bric-a-Brac, was social chair of Cannon Club, and belonged to the Pre-Law Society. He fenced, served on the Orange Key Committee, and was vice president of the Chicago Club. Senior year he roomed with Len Milberg, Dick Minesinger, and Bob Thoeny. Although accepted at Michigan Law School, Russ went into the advertising field. Then he moved to "God's country," as he called Colorado. There he met his wife-to-be, Marilyn Jane Scofield, and established his own business forms company, Omega Enterprises Distributing, Inc. It flourished.

Russ didn't talk about his accomplishments, but they were numerous. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. In addition to Marilyn Jane, he is survived by son Michael, daughters Sallie and Amy, and mother Catherine. Speaking of his close longtime pal, Dick Minesinger said, "Russ was a great and loyal friend. His wonderful sense of humor and outrageous antics are legend."

The Class of 1953