Remembering Rev. Dr. Paul R. Smith (HR)
Seattle Presbytery
Update from Rev. Dr. Ron Rice (HR):
After a 3½ year battle with multiple myeloma, the Rev. Dr. Paul Smith (HR) was received into the Lord’s presence early Sunday morning (July 19, 2020) in a hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota.
He and Carreen flew to South Dakota 2 weeks ago, to the family cabin in the Black Hills, Paul’s favorite place in all the world, where they visited every summer. It may have been a premonition, that he wanted to spend his last days there, one last visit. He was hospitalized in the middle of the week. Son Lucian was there and daughters Lindsey and Miriam arrived, and they were able to sing hymns together and retell stories. Daughter Taleigh was able to join by phone from Nicaragua.
Paul was the pastor of West Side Presbyterian Church for 35 years, retiring in June 2016.
He was a dear friend and colleague. I admired his creative and thought-provoking sermons, his biblical scholarship, his wide reading and knowledge, his intellectual curiosity, his pastor’s heart, and his deep love for the Lord and for his congregation.
I am sure he is hearing these words today, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy I have prepared for you.”
Photo courtesy: West Side Presbyterian Church