I knew Richard Smith as a substitute teacher in the Bethel Tate primary building. I always knew if I needed to be out of the classroom, he would keep the classroom running smoothly and adhere to the lessons needed. However, what I enjoyed most about knowing him was his respect for other staff and all students. He was a genuinely kind, dignified yet fun person and it was a privilege to know him. Cheryl Hess Bethel Tate second grade teacher 1975-2005.

CHERYL HESS Jan 8 2019 12:06 AM

Mr. Smith and I went through WT Elementary days before the demolition took place. I was surprised when I called him he hadn't gone and was happy to meet me there. We went all over both buildings. We covered it seemed like every inch. He had stories about the history. Told what teacher had this room and when he last heard from them. He even talked about those who we lost. Mr. Smith even had news about our classmates. I truly got the sense that he looked at all of us as his children. He pasted his love of history on to me....especially the tragedy of the Civil War. He had a collection of some pieces from the war, rifles etc. I always loved it when he brought them in to share with us. God Bless you Mrs. Smith. And thank you for sharing Mr. Smith with us. David E. Mues age 56

David E Mues Jan 3 2019 7:55 AM

Mr. Smith was the greatest substitute teacher one could ask for. Even with my most difficult classes, he knew how to handle them. He also was cool handling my classroom bunny! He never left a negative note of his day with my class. He was one of a kind in education!

Jan Blakemeyer Jan 2 2019 10:12 PM

Mr. Smith was one of my favorite substitute teachers ever. Im 32 and still remember him very well from when I was in elementary school. My prayers are with his family and friends. What an amazing man.

Cassie Carter Jan 2 2019 8:28 PM

I believe that Mr.Smith is the primary inspiration for my work as a teacher. He brought so much to the circle we were nourished by ethics, honesty, family pride, wit and humor and an emphasis on community accountability. My work at Thomas More University is a reflection of how love carries across space and time. Mr. Smith planted so many seeds in his own work and that strong sense of value bloomed far and wide. For someone called to teach, he set a reminder that our work is in service to the highest form of human care and dignity and enrichment. I stayed in touch with him my whole life somfid my brother, sister and parents. To all who love Mr. SmithMay his life be a reminder that we are privileged to keep his light and earnest wisdom burning through generations. He represented the hope that old fashioned genuine connections with individuals will rise above grid lines, red tape and the confusion of values. His contributions as a teacher and member of the community will continue to survive through the years because he moved the people he met to recognize the simplest and most powerful forms of personhood. With great respect, Sherry Cook Stanforth (a third grade student from Withamsville Elementary in 1975-1976)

Sherry Cook Stanforth Jan 2 2019 7:39 PM

He was the best teacher for everyone. I didnt like school, but I liked 5th grade because of him. He made school interesting. Ran into him a couple years ago. (45 years after I had him) Still the same great guy. All teachers could learn from him. No one is perfect, but he seemed like the model for what a teacher should be. We are all better just from knowing him. See you in heaven!

Jim Schaefer Jan 2 2019 6:13 PM

Mr. Smith was an unforgettable teacher. Strict but kind and funny. He taught us life lessons which included memorizing poetry and understanding the meaning behind things. He also taught us about commitment and friendship. My favorite was how he would give you something and set a time for you to return it. He did this with a walnut with me. I returned it when I graduated from high school to his home in Batavia. He was a gentleman, role model and God fearing man.

Amanda Lutes Davenport Jan 1 2019 11:21 PM