Chapter 1: Cherishing Memories

My father had a remarkable head of hair. It was one of the first things people noticed about Dick Smith—a magnificent mane of silver that could easily star in hair-loss advertisements. It became a source of envy for my brother and me as we faced our own receding hairlines, with comb-overs becoming less effective by the day.

We inherited various traits from Dad: creaky joints, poor hearing, and the troublesome gout, but his stunning hair and incredible singing voice were not among them. No one could match Dad’s vocal talent.

Dick Smith passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 13th, at the age of 89. Given his declining health, his passing was not unexpected. Yet, he faced it with remarkable courage and tranquility, prepared to meet his Creator, the Almighty.

With my sisters by his side, he focused more on organizing papers and passwords than on his failing health—just like him: ever accommodating and selfless until the very end. Thankfully, we had the opportunity to say our goodbyes, providing a comforting sense of closure for our families, unlike the sudden loss of my mother in ’99, which left no room for farewells.

“Righty-o,” Dad would say—his favorite sign-off. It was likely one of his last words as he departed for Heaven. While his absence is deeply felt, witnessing his dignified farewell is truly inspirational. Everyone aspires to reach 89 and leave this world with the same courage that Dad demonstrated.

Chapter 2: The Unexpected Layers

Dad was a man of many surprises. His father taught physics at a high school near Philadelphia for 40 years, and Dad, equally brilliant, earned an academic scholarship to Yale.

However, he had a mischievous side. One memorable prank involved him slipping slivers of phosphorus into a classmate's back pocket, resulting in a fiery mishap and a swift trip to the principal’s office, courtesy of his furious father.

At Yale, Dad discovered a lifelong passion—music—and my mother. He joined the Glee Club as a baritone and persistently pursued Lois Baker, a librarian, for a date. After graduation, he rushed to tell her he was no longer a student, and they married in 1956.

He chose a career in finance over insurance, humorously remarking, "Actuaries are guys who wanted to be Accountants but didn’t have the personality." He spent most of his working life as a CFO, combining numerical skill with a vibrant personality.

An artist at heart, Dad was an accomplished photographer, enjoying the process of developing his own photos. He experimented with lithography and crafted intricate woodcuts for Christmas cards, each adorned with Scripture passages in his beautiful calligraphy.

Dad’s passion for singing was evident throughout his life. He performed with the New Haven Choral, the Pittsburgh Symphony, and the Yale Alumni Chorus, touring globally with fellow musicians. Although none of us inherited his singing talent, we cherished watching him perform, especially when he took the stage at Woolsey Hall at 85, leading the Glee Club in the Yale Football Fight Songs, his silver hair shining.

Chapter 3: A Man of Conviction

Dad was steadfast in his beliefs. He never wavered or sat on the fence. He was certain that when his time came, he would enter a glorious place. To him, God was undeniably real.

As we reflect on the holiest weekend of the year—when Passover and Easter coincide—we are reminded of the significance of faith.

Passover celebrates the Lord’s miraculous intervention, freeing the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Following Moses’ guidance, they marked their doorposts with lamb’s blood, prompting the angel of death to pass over their homes, saving their firstborns and paving the way to freedom.

Easter recalls the harrowing events leading to Jesus of Nazareth's crucifixion and His resurrection three days later, defeating death and offering eternal life through God's grace, not through our deeds.

These events transcend logic, relying on Scripture and the faith of millions over millennia who believe in their truth, offering a profound sense of hope and assurance that God is present—yesterday, today, and forever.

Many fathers may find themselves questioning their beliefs, feeling uncertain or detached from their faith. Holidays may seem merely symbolic or traditional, rather than genuine experiences.

While my father typically refrained from giving unsolicited advice, he would likely urge us to take a moment to reflect, for we never know when the end may come. It's vital to be prepared, confident in our beliefs, and to live each day with purpose.

In his last conversation with my wife, she inquired about a hymn he wished to be sung at his memorial. He began to sing ‘The Lord’s Prayer,’ his voice faint and breathing labored, yet his spirit was vibrant. Upon finishing, he beamed with joy.

There is no doubt that the Lord smiled down on him, saying, “Well done, my son. A life well-lived. Now, it's time for you to come home.”

“Righty-o.”

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