Edwin James Smith

Dr. Edwin J. Smith, DVM, 87, passed away June 27, 2003, in Pueblo, CO. Left to mourn his departure is his wife of 20 years, Twilla Eddy Smith; brother, Earl D. (Alex) Smith; brother-in-law Harold (Mary) Casper; children, Thomas Edwin Smith (deceased), his wife Jean and children, Brian, Kathy and Chris; Richard Smith and children, Vicki and Kevin; Sally (Michael) Hollins and children Nathan and Stephanie; Gordon (Thelma) Smith and children, Reina, Elyse and Ian; step-children, Chris (Charlotte) Eddy and children, Terisa, Tonia and Chad; Roxann (John) Cadwell, and children Shawn and Scott; Paul Eddy and children, Kristi, Casey and Cody; Mark Eddy and children, Malisa, Jennifer, Ben, Sara and Marteka; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces and friends. Edwin James Smith was born in Minturn, Colorado, the middle child in a family of seven. His parents were Mary Edith 'Mamie' (Bates) and Edwin Forrest Smith. When Edwin was three years old the family moved to the San Luis Valley in Colorado between Ft. Garland and Blanca. Ranching and farming became a way of life. Edwin's father was also Superintendent of schools. Edwin's mother gave piano lessons to neighboring children and taught all seven of her own to play instruments. They formed a Smith Family band and played on most Sundays in church. Edwin played the clarinet. After graduating from high school he attended one year at Adams State College in Alamosa and then continued his education at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, graduating as a Veterinarian, a profession he loved. While attending the university in Ft. Collins he met Mildred Jean Casper and they were married March 12, 1938. He worked as federal meat inspector in Omaha, Nebraska. Thomas Edwin Smith was born Jan. 30, 1940. Next he went to Port of Embarkation in New Orleans. Next move was to Greenville, SC. Richard Bates Smith was born Aug. 8, 1942. Following his discharge from the service the family moved to Santa Fe, NM where Edwin purchased a veterinarian practice and where he stayed until his retirement in 1978. Edwin did both small and large animals for several years, traveling as far as 100 miles to treat livestock. At that time there were only two vets in Santa Fe. Sally Jean Smith was born Nov. 27, 1948, and Gordon James Smith was born Oct. 15, 1954. Tom joined his dad as a partner and at the present time Ed's granddaughter, Kathy, and her husband, Mike Dobesh are still operating the Smith Veterinary Hospital. While in Santa Fe he was active in several organizations: Shrine (Klown patrol), Masons, Lions Club, Elks, Sheriff Posse, Boy Scouts and church deacon. Ed was secretary for the New Mexico Veterinary exam board for ten years and was State Veterinarian for Santa Fe Downs Racetrack for eight years. He treated various animals during the years but his favorite patient was a little cub bear that later became the Forest Service symbol, Smokey Bear. Jean, Ed's wife, was a big help to him when he was first establishing his practice and continued to be a important part of his life. Jean died in March 1981, after a hard battle with cancer. The years he spent raising his family and establishing his business were very important years and he was very proud of his family. In Sept. 1982, Ed and Twilla Eddy were married in Taos, NM. They made their home in Santa Fe, but did lots of traveling in their motor home. On their trips they saw some beautiful country, met lots of neat people, but the nicest part was visiting friends and relatives along the way and keeping the relationships going. In June 1994, the couple moved to Pueblo and have really enjoyed living here. Ed drove for Meals on Wheels two days a week, volunteered at Cooperative Care Center on Mondays, and was active in various ways at the First Presbyterian Church. He was known everywhere by his ready smile, which will be missed by all who knew him. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2003, at the First Presbyterian Church, 10th & Court, with the Rev. Dr. Brad Munroe officiating. Concluding service will be held at the Santa Fe New Mexico National Cemetery on Thursday. Those who desire may make memorials to either Meals on Wheels or to the Cooperative Care Center, in care of the funeral home.