SIDNEY – On Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, 2021, David Charles Smith of Sidney passed peacefully at the Togus VA hospice. David lived almost all the years of his life in his hometown, born October 1, 1938 to Charles W. Smith and Drusilla (Clark) Smith on West River Road. He attended two different one-room elementary schools, then graduated from Waterville High School in 1957 as a valued member of the cross-country team. Early jobs included picking green beans and milking cows; he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1958 and used his GI benefit to attend Bailey’s Technical School in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1964 he started his 34 year career as a Carman for Maine Central Railroad in Waterville.After a seven year school-kid courtship, the success of his 61-year marriage to best friend Gail (Woods) Smith came as no surprise. Together they raised their son William C. Smith and daughter Sidney (aka Anita Smith) Woods, who followed their father’s life-long curiosity about the natural world. Will and David shared a fascination with wild birds, and with human flight. After Sid created her home in Wyoming, David and Gail made several trips to the Rocky Mountains, including an early hike with Sid’s pack llamas—which sparked David’s second career as the Llama Man of central Maine. For 15 years he and Gail travelled to schools, nursing homes, libraries, churches and more with their team of social llamas, and entertained many visitors at their Sidney pasture.Together with his wife he was awarded a Spirit of America award for years of voluntary social contributions, ranging from dragging snowmobile trails and caring for both the Springer and Bangs Cemeteries, being a founding member of the Sidney Historical Society, to simply mowing and plowing for neighbors in need. He was also a founding member of the Sidney Snowmobile Club and a member of the state organization as well. Think Snow was a favorite saying, right along with Eat Dessert First, Life is Uncertain.Along with the family mentioned above, he is survived by his older sister Shirley Fenlason of Oakland and his younger brother Tim (Patty) Smith of Florida and the families of their children, along with Will’s son Adrian Morgan and grandson Dominic Rogers. David was a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews, including those of his sister Jean and her husband Pete, who preceded him in death. Adventures with his wife’s family included great memories at the Woods’ cottage on McGrath Pond with the families of Peg (David) Gustafson (pre-deceased), Madeline (Walter) Durham (pre-deceased), and Blanche (Harold) Sanborn. David counted Sheryl Palmer, Will’s fiance’, and his daughter’s long-term Wyoming partner Corrie Barbero as family as well. A life celebration will be held in the future.He was honored that the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railroad accepted his train memorabilia for the museum, and that the Sidney Historical Society will add his USMC uniforms to their museum. Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 107 Main Street, Fairfield where memories and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.In honor of the many beloved four-legged family members who shared his life, please consider making memorial donations to the Waterville Area Humane Society, online at https://hswa.org/donate/ or through the mail 100 Webb Rd, Waterville, ME 04901, or other organizations of your choice.

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