—4— In memoriam: Robert E. Smith, 1919-2008 psychology research. After they settled in Portland, Norma took employment at the Oregon Health Sciences University. They generated a wide circle of PSU faculty friends; she preceded him in death in 2002. During their working careers, they traveled extensively whenever brief vacations permitted, and in retirement they participated in Elderhostel programs throughout the United States. They were devoted to their rambunctious black Labrador dogs, Gus, Pete, andAndy. Professor Smith pursued a wide variety of personal interests, with outdoor activities—notably flyfishing— absorbing much of his limited spare time. In addition to being an avid gun collector, he reveled in target range sports—including trap and skeet shooting—and often loaded his own ammunition. Active Tri-County Gun Club membership included presiding over that organization. He earned a light aircraft pilot’s license, and became a longtime member of the Troutdale flying club. Very likely he was one of the first PSC faculty members to own a pickup truck, but constant borrowing by colleagues prompted him to sell the vehicle. Wartime military service led to Capt. Smith’s 1958 appointment to the U.S. Air Force’s newly formed 40th Aeromedical Reserve Squadron, then based in Portland. The unit’s mission, training reservists— nurses and medical technicians—to evacuate patients from overseas combat zones, heavily utilized Ron’s wartime experience, which enabled him to serve in turn as operations, training, and finally commanding officer. The squadron subsequently deployed in Vietnam, Bosnia, and Iraq. After 20 years of USAF active and reserve service, Ron retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Survivors include a nephew, William Fretwell, of Salem, Oregon, and a niece, Rebecca Stewart, of North Logan, Utah. The Stevens family of Portland adopted Ron as a surrogate Grandpa 10 years ago and loved him dearly. That family and his many friends sorely miss him. At Ron’s request no services were held; his ashes have been scattered over his favorite Metolius River fishing hole. Besides knowing Ronald Smith as a campus colleague, I enjoyed the honor of serving with him in the 40th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. I treasure my memory of this dear friend. —Victor C. Dahl, Professor Emeritus of History Ronald Elwynn Smith, professor emeritus of psychology, born June 12, 1919, in Ogden, Utah, died June 21, 2008, at his Beaverton home. After finishing high school in Utah, Professor Smith attended San Diego State College (1936-37) and then transferred to Weber State College, Ogden, Utah, and earned an associate of art degree in 1939. At the beginning of World War II, Professor Smith entered the United States Army, served with field medical units in Africa, India, and Burma, later became a commissioned officer, and received a unit citation and the Victory Medal. Upon returning to civilian life, he worked as a hospital medical technician in Ogden. In 1947 he enrolled in the University of Utah, earning B.A. (1948), M.A. (1949) and Ph.D. (1954) degrees while holding various psychology instructional and clinical appointments. In 1955 Professor Smith joined the newly established Portland State College. As a pioneering psychology faculty member, he attracted exceptionally large classes and carried out a formative role in developing curricular offerings. For many years he served as department head and recruited a well-trained faculty that provided an essential element for founding today’s comprehensive urban university. Instructional accomplishments, research productivity, and conscientious faculty governance service earned the widespread respect of campus colleagues. Active participation in professional organizations included holding offices in the Western and Oregon Psychological Associations. In 1962 an Oregon State System of Higher Education Counseling and Guidance Training Institute presented him a Distinguished Counselor Educator Award. For several years he served as a director of the Fund for the New Social Studies, designed to promote Northwest social studies programs. Community organizations regularly invited him to speak at meetings and conferences. A tireless intellectual inquisitiveness prompted him to read widely in his specialty field as well as in other disciplines. A wide circle of campus colleagues, students, and friends highly respected his valuable institutional service. The University owes him an enormous debt of gratitude for his many contributions to its growth and development. In 1946 Professor Smith married Norma Knudsen, who shared his interests in medical technology and
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