David Harold Austin Smith

Dave Smith died April 25, 2026. He was born David Harold Austin Smith on February 11, 1948 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

David earned a degree from the University of Minnesota in Wildlife Management with a specialty in Raptors which provided a foundation for life long love of birds. He loved being in the woods, on the lake, or talking to all of the interesting people he met along the way in life. He was most at home on Cossayuna Lake in New York, Woman Lake in northern Minnesota, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

He loved to tell stories and filled the space around him with his laugh. One of his favorite stores was 'jumping out of a helicopter on to a moose'. Ask a family member to retell it.

David was drafted and enlisted in the Navy in 1971 where he served as an Electrician's Mate Nuclear (EMN). He later taught at the West Milton, New York Nuclear Power Training School for the Navy. He retired from General Electric, having done Non-destructive testing around the world.

David was the youngest child of Henry A Smith and Grace D (Powell) Smith, who pre-deceased him.  Left to carry his memory are his wife Cheryl Stanford-Smith, son Anthony Smith, daughter-in-law Kimberly Darter, Granddaughter Sophia Smith.  In addition, he is survived by his Brother Charles Smith and his wife Judy; Sister Martha Brown; and sister Carol Rippenberger and her husband Jim: as well as Brother-in-Law David Stanford and his wife Debbie. He also is remembered by a host of Nieces and Nephews, and other relatives.  May his memory always be a blessing.

Fifteen years ago on April 10, 2011 David sustained what was a life altering event that rendered him a quadriplegic.  He lived through the surgery that saved his life and then worked impressively hard to regain what he could of his past life. He walked with strong arm canes, drove with hand controls and drove his 'cart' up and down East Lake Road enjoying both the wildlife and the people he met along the way.

Sadly David became more disabled and his life became less enjoyable through the years. He became more isolated and could no longer get out in the woods to dream.

He sustained a life threatening pressure wound at the base of his spine in February and this week it quickly progressed into sepsis. The decision had to be made how to proceed when his body could no longer fight the infection. As much as we wanted him to come home he was just too fragile.

The decision was made to allow him to die peacefully and comfortably at the hospital. That time between decision and death is the cruelest kind of waiting filled with ups and downs and hope. David died Saturday and he remains one of the bravest people we know.

Burial will be at the family's convenience.

Donations can be made to the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation using the following link: https://www.christopherreeve.org/  Christopher Reeve died in 2004 from Sepsis following a pressure wound that became infected.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at arehartechols.com

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