SMITH, M.D., David D.

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Wednesday, December 08, 2010 David D. Smith, M.D., 82, formerly of Flagstaff, died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, after a sudden and brief illness. Dr. Smith was born Oct. 8, 1928, in Milwaukie, Ore., to Lloyd and Effie Smith. He completed his pre-medical studies at the University of Oregon in two years, 1954-56. He received his medical degree from the University of Oregon Medical School, in Portland, Ore., in 1958. He completed a four-year residency at San Bernardino County Hospital in California, specializing in family medicine. He began his medical practice career in family medicine, opening a private practice in Flagstaff, where he practiced medicine for 11 years. In 1973, he became director of clinical services, Department of Family Practice at the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center, in Portland. He specialized in establishing, accrediting and developing family medicine residencies programs, first in Lewiston, Maine, at Central Maine Medical Center, 1977-80. From 1981-85, he was director of the family practice center at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. From 1985-91, he was the director of the family medicine residency program at St. Mary Corwin Medical Center in Pueblo, Colo. After his retirement from St. Mary Corwin, he became a residency accreditation field staff member for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, in Chicago, 1991-94. Dr. Smith's passion was teaching, challenging residents and creating competent and knowledgeable physicians. He had a great compassion for medicine and healing. Dr. Smith is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Marjorie A. Smith; children David (Betsy) Smith of Oswego, Ill., Britt (Sue) Smith of Grand Junction, Colo., Craig (Denise) Smith of Flagstaff, Nancy Smith (Merlin) Vincent of Colorado Springs, Colo., Nancy Lynn Nichols of Boise, Idaho, and Scott Nichols of Flagstaff; 12 grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. A celebration of his life will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at King of Kings Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the funeral home in Dr. Smith's name to the Cancer Patient Need Fund, or Sangre de Cristo Hospice. A memorial is available at www.mem.com. Arrangements are by Imperial Funeral Home.