February 04, 1929 - November 02, 2013
B. Russell Smith Obituary
B. Russell Smith, born February 4 and baptized March 31, 1929, now resides with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Russ passed away at home on November 2nd, 2013 in Deer Park, WA. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1998. Russ was born in Butte, MT to Burtt R. Smith and Lois Spencer and moved to Spokane in 1934. He graduated from North Central High School in January 1947 then continued his education at Washington State College where he received his Bachelor of Architectural Engineering in 1952 and his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1953. He returned to Spokane and practiced Architecture for 45 years before retiring in 1998.
In 1961, he joined William H. Trogdon to form Trogdon Smith Architects, AIA. As the firm grew Robert J. Grossman and Benson A. Nielsen became partners to become TSG Architects, AIA. In 1974 their firm joint ventured with two other Spokane firms and won the commission to design 13 new elementary schools for the Spokane School District. In 1983, TSG Architects, AIA merged with one of those firms, Tan Brookie Kundig, to become Northwest Architectural Co. NAC Architecture has continued to grow and currently has numerous offices in the western United States and has become one of the 30th largest firms in the United States.
Russ was involved with other significant projects including, Spokane International Airport, Spokane Public Libraries, Eastern State Hospital (Eastlake Building), Expo ?74, WSU Computer Science Building, WSU Student Bookstore additions, WSU President?s Residence, U.S. Air Force Control Towers at Mather, Edwards, Mt. Home, McChord, Ellsworth, Davis-Monthan, Indian Springs and multiple projects at Riverview Retirement Center.
He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church and also a member of various civic and state organizations which include AIA (American Institute of Architects), BOMO (Building Owners and Managers Association), State Building Code Council and Kiwanis.
Russ is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janis Kay Smith. They have 3 children. Russ has 2 children from a previous marriage. Combined they have 15 grandchildren. Russ is also survived by 2 brothers and 1 sister.
A celebration in memory of Russ?s life will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9706 N. Division on Thursday November 7th, at 1:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9706 N. Division, Spokane, WA 99218, Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur, Spokane, WA 99202 or Evergreen Hematology and Oncology, 309 E. Farwell Rd Ste 100, Spokane, WA 99218.
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