Craig Smith CPO, FAAOP, passed away on August 4 after a long battle with liver disease. He was 59.
According to his friend and colleague, Dennis Wood, RTPO, Smith’s O&P career included many years of working for Wright & Fillipis, Rochester Hills, Michigan, before he founded the orthotics and prosthetics technology program at Baker College of Flint, Michigan. He then served as director of the program.
In his leisure time, he enjoyed the outdoors, his Dachsunds, playing cards, and cruises with his wife and family.
“Craig touched lives and influenced many students over the years who wished to pursue a career in O&P. His knowledge, caring heart, and compassion for the field will be greatly missed by all,” Wood said.
Smith is survived by Carol Smith, his wife of 17 years; his daughters, Alisha Smith, Jennifer Pool, and Marlissa Ellis; four grandchildren, Brianna, Amber, Aaron and Lynsie; his parents, Nola and Vivan Smith; his sister, Cindy Smith; and brother, Cris Smith; and many close friends.
Carol Smith wrote, “Please remember him for the wonderful, kind, funny, generous person that we all knew. And, don’t forget tough. He was certainly that.”
A memorial service will be held at on September 18, 2009, at 1 p.m. at Baker College of Flint, 1050 West Bristol Road, Flint, MI 48507. Carol Smith encourages all to attend.
