Obituary of Dr. Arthur C. Smith Jr.

Arthur C. Smith, Jr., MD, ("Doc") Was born on November 21, 1921 and passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at the age of 94. He was predeceased by his parents Arthur C. and Louise Smith, Sr., and sisters Hope Welliver of Elmira, and Constance Templeton of Oceanside, CA. Art is survived by his wife of 64 years, Louise "Bebe" (Streeter) Smith; children Arthur C. (Jennifer) Smith III of Kaktovik, AK; Tyler K. Smith of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Polly (DeLos) Blackwell of Elmira; and Matthew S. (Kelly) Smith of Elmira; grandchildren Arthur C. (Heather) Smith, IV of Elmira; Nichole (Jason) Newsted of Jupiter Island, FL; Jessie Smith of Elmira; Jennifer (Chris) Naused of Seneca Falls; Jacob Smith of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Aaron Smith of Orlando, FL; Robert (Christine) Reynolds of Big Flats; Keri (Matthew) Manning of Elmira; Taylor Smith of Elmira; and several great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. Art graduated from Elmira Free Academy and attended Cornell University where he was recognized as a gifted runner and was selected for the Olympic Track and Field Trials. Unfortunately, his journey to Olympic competition was never realized due to the cancellation of the Tokyo games in 1940. He attended Weill Cornell Medical College as part of his military service, graduating in 1945. He then served as a Captain in the US Army 6th Medical Battalion in Korea as a field surgeon until 1948. After Korea, he continued his medical studies as an intern at New York University College of Medicine/Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York City. Returning home to Elmira, Art joined his father, Arthur Sr., in his private medical practice, and devoted his profession to being one of the country's leading Ophthalmologists and a true, caring physician who impacted many lives until his retirement in 1992. Those who knew Art know that his devotion was to the outdoors. His knowledge of the lands and its wildlife, especially birds, was unsurpassed. He was a founding member, past president of and generous donor to Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum. His love of nature led to his donating and becoming the land steward of The Nature Conservancy Frenchman's Bluff Preserve. He also became a strong advocate for the protection of endangered species. Art was always willing to discuss the local flora and fauna to those who were interested. Yet, his true passion was for hunting and fishing, which he pursued throughout his entire life. He hunted most of North America in his quest. Art's love for hunting was only shadowed by his love for fishing which he shared with many, including baseball legend, Ted Williams. Art was a member of Fur, Fin & Feathers Club, the Elmira Rotary Club and numerous nature/conservation organizations. In the early 90's Art built his own log cabin in the woods, spending the rest of his life enjoying nature at its best. The family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to Doc's caregivers Molly Lee, Linda Brown and Anne Jeziorski for their devoted care of him; and CareFirst NY for their hospice services. Memorial donations celebrating Art's life may be made to Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum. There will be no public calling hours. A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Sunday, December 18 @ 1:00 p.m. at Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum in Elmira.