Richard Charles Smith

In Loving Memory of Richard Charles Smith

Early Life and Education

Richard Charles Smith was born on April 22, 1931, to Eugene Arthur and Ada Catherine Smith (née Vogel) in Aurora, Kane County, Illinois. He passed away on January 29 in Woodland Park, Colorado, at the age of 94, just a few months shy of his 95th birthday.

Richard grew up in Aurora, Illinois, alongside his sisters Dorothy Elizabeth and Blanche Emily. He attended West Aurora High School, where he was known as Richie. During his time there, he was recognized as an Honorable Mention All State Quarterback and played a significant role in leading the football team to an undefeated season in his senior year. One of his fondest memories was playing East Aurora High to a 0-0 tie on Thanksgiving Day in the snow. In addition to football, Richard participated in the state third-place basketball team and was a member of the golf team.

After graduating from high school, Richard initially attended the University of Minnesota to further his studies and play football. However, after an injury ended his football aspirations, he transferred to Northern Illinois University, where he earned a teaching degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physical Education.

Family Life

While working at the Burlington Railroad Stockyards in Montgomery, Illinois, Richard met his future wife, Margaret Sheila Brough. Their meeting inspired him to return to Illinois to finish his degree. Richard and Sheila, who preferred to be called Sheila, were married on August 30, 1952. Together, they welcomed five children: William Brough, Denise Suzanne, James Arthur, Ruth Ann, and Mary Kathryn.

Career in Education

Richard began his career teaching at a junior high school in Franklin Park, Illinois, where he also coached basketball. Within a year, he joined East Leyden High School, teaching mathematics and assisting with coaching football, basketball, and golf. Over his 35-plus years at East Leyden, Richard completed a master’s degree in counseling at Northern Illinois University. This achievement led him to become a counselor, college counselor, and eventually Head of Counseling at both East and West Leyden High Schools. In the later years of his career, Richard returned to his passion as a college counselor, dedicating himself to guiding students.  Over his career he was a Member of Phi Beta Kappa, America's most prestigious academic honor society.

Personal Interests and Retirement

Known as Dick among his close friends and colleagues, Richard enjoyed golfing and fishing with his co-workers from Leyden. He also pursued various hobbies, including leather tooling and gardening. In 1968, Richard and Sheila packed up the family during summer break and traveled to Victor, Colorado, influenced by Richard’s co-worker Wayne McCormick. This trip marked the beginning of many summers spent in the Colorado Rockies and, ultimately, their retirement first to Victor and then to Woodland Park, Colorado.

During retirement, Richard and Sheila traveled annually to Arizona in the winter to visit their eldest daughter Denise and her family. They made many new friends and enjoyed golfing together. In Colorado, Richard continued his love of gardening, especially growing irises, and became a member of the Elmohr Iris Society. His passion for irises was passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Legacy and Remembrance

On March 20, 2013, Richard lost his beloved wife, Sheila. The family now takes comfort in the thought that they are reunited. Richard was also preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Ada, his sisters Dorothy Ellis and Blanche Dawson, brothers-in-law Mel Ellis and James Dawson, Sheila’s sisters Elizabeth Gabriel Prall (née Brough) and Ann L. Brough, brother-in-law Ivan Prall, and son-in-law Larry Hanahan.

Richard is survived by his five children: William (Nancy), Denise (Dave Pedersen), James (Roben), Ruth (William Rummler), and Mary Hanahan. He is also remembered by his grandchildren: Carl and Cordy, Kristin and Amanda, Emalee and Christian, Holly and Richard, Ryan and Paul, and by his great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Connor, Winifred, Peter, Faith, and Jonah.

Memorial Service

Officiant: Pastor Ingred

Date: April 25, 2026

Location: Mountain View United Methodist

Internment: Mountain Memorial, Woodland Park, CO

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