Smith, Donald Rogers Joseph, Jr.

Hancock
Donald R. Smith, 83, the greatest sailor to have ever lived, died last week at MDI Hospital following a brief illness. He was born in Boston, son of Donald and Catherine Smith.
He was sailing at a young age and soon had a sailboat of his own named, “The Tomato.” After graduating from Sacrament Jamaica Planes High School, Donald joined the Air Force and served his country 1956-1960. Soon after coming home from the service, he met his wife, Jeannie and they moved to Alaska where they raised their family. Donald is a life member of the Port Norfolk Yacht Club.
Donald retired to Maine in 2003 where he could enjoy the peace, quiet and the ocean. He liked to watch the deer pass through his yard and enjoyed the simple things. More than anything he loved to sail. He had a full life, a beautiful sailboat named “Rachael” for his daughter, and a lot of love from his family and friends. He was a great father and will remain the world’s best Grandpa.
Donald is survived by his wife, Jeannie and his son Christian Smith of Alaska; his daughter Rachael O’Leary and her husband Shane of Nevada; his three grandchildren Dahlia, Lily and River of Nevada and his great granddaughters Scarlett and Velvet.
Gifts in Donald’s memory may go to MDI Community Sailing Center PO Box 116 Southwest Harbor Maine 04679 or online mdisailing.org. Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com