[Harp-L] re: Richard I. Smith

["J.Gordon" <jameslincolngordon@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am sad to hear of the passing of Richard I. Smith. He was a kind and
capable soul.
Richard made and sent me a travel Harmonica repair kit that was fit into a
small Sharpie pen with everything one would need to replace reeds
except a hammer, or even a rock would do.
Also from Richard I. Smith is a giant demonstration reed for teaching I lent
to Richard Sleigh.
He also sent the fishing lure. He authored a very nice Harmonica repair
manual that is a very nice addition to my repair library.
I would always take time to spend with Richard at the Buckeye Festival-
he was a kind and gracious friend who will be missed very much.  RIP
Richard.

All the Best,
Jimmy Gordon

p.s.
I plan to write more about my SPAH experience now that I'm back, but I was
invited to the
Prarie Home Companion show tonight by a member of the band, so I've gotta go
for now.





SMITH Richard I. Smith, age 87, of Columbus, passed away Wednesday, August
20, 2008, at Mt. Carmel Medical Center. Mr. Smith was a long-time member of
West Park United Methodist Church. He also founded the Buckeye State
Harmonica Club in 1976 and was a Drum Major at Central High School in 1941.
Mr. Smith retired from the George Frederick Smith Chemical Company after 35
years of service and also served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII. He was
a long time fisherman and inventor of the "Smitty Spoon" fishing lure; a
woodcarver, harmonica player and collector. He was preceded in death by his
parents Florence Marie and Stanley Pflaumer Smith, sisters Mildred Smith,
Florence Massie and Verla Black, brothers Donald and Hugh Smith. His
survivors include his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Smith; children, Karen
Smith, Susan Rickabaugh, Ralph (Kathy) Smith and Lynn Taylor; grandchildren,
Melissa Richardson, Bryan McGinnis and Matthew Smith; great-grandchildren,
Jessica McGinnis and Brandon Blackmore; sister, Jean Rasor; and numerous
nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call at the from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Sunday, August 24th at the RUTHERFORD-SHROYER FUNERAL HOME, 1278 W. Broad
Street, Columbus, OH 43222, where a funeral service will be held 10 a.m.
Monday, August 25, 2008, with Rev. Jeff Julien officiating. Burial will
follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Condolences for the family may be
sent to: www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com. Sign the online guestbook at
www.dispatch.com/obituariesJack Ely