Although never an educator, Les and
Bobbie were strong supporters of education as a means to help young people
make healthy life style choices and steer clear of use of alcohol, tobacco
and other drugs. While in Peoria, Lester helped found the Youth Farm
which was a boys’ home. Since living in Tucson, Les and Bobbie
initially funded a Smith Prevention Project in the 1980’s in conjunction
with the University of Arizona College of Education. He is also been
a long time funder and supporter for the Smith Speakers Bureau in the
U of A athletic department. In the late 1980’s, Lester became disenchanted
with the work and the accountability of the Smith Prevention Project
in the College of Education and withdrew his funding. When Dean John
L. Taylor came to the College of Education, Dean Taylor was able to re-engage
the Smiths’ in the mission of the college. Dean Taylor’s
proposal was to create an endowed chair in prevention and education rather
than project specific activities. Dean Taylor argued that having a person
on the faculty with strong, committed background in prevention and a
community orientation would generate numerous projects that would facilitate
the Smiths’ mission.
The Smiths provided additional support to the College. In 1999, as
a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, Lester Smith challenged
the Dean and the Board to raise $500,000 which he would match with a
million dollar pledge.
Not only was Lester financially supportive of College of Education
activities, he was involved in the projects that he supported. He meant
frequently with the Endowed Chair and was often seen in the halls talking
to faculty and students. He was particularly impressed with Project SOAR
and often would drop in on Friday afternoons when Project SOAR trainings
occurred.
In addition to his support of the College of Education, he was a benefactor
the Sidewalk Sunday School in Tucson, the Methodist Church and Illinois
Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Il., plus funding numerous other
charities. Les was a member or Sigma Chi Fraternity, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, a mason and 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, Shriners, The Jesters,
Skyline Country Club, Christ Church United Methodist, plus many others.
Lester Smith passed away at the age of 90 in November of 2003. His
wife remains gravely ill at this time. He has one daughter, Deanna and
a grandson, Dru, both of whom live in the Tucson area. |