Sunday, March 11, 2018

Darrell Smith, FAIA (1935-2018)

Darrell L. Smith, FAIA (1935-2018)

The Eugene-Springfield architectural community mourns the loss of another of its stalwart members: Darrell Smith, FAIA passed away earlier this month. As his obituary below states, he went peacefully, which no doubt comes as a comfort to his family and friends.

Darrell and I crossed paths frequently because his practice, TBG Architects and Planners, and my firm Robertson/Sherwood/Architects both have offices in the Miner Building in downtown Eugene. It was always a pleasure to chat with Darrell. I don’t know if I can remember him ever being anything but cheerful and supportive. He was definitely one of the old guard among local architects who made me feel very much welcome when I returned to live and work in Eugene in 1988. Darrell will be missed by all who knew him, especially those at TBG who had the privilege to work side-by-side with Darrell on a daily basis.

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Darrell Lyle Smith, born April 5, 1935 in Wallowa, OR to Charles and Effie Boswell Smith, passed peacefully on March 1, 2018 in Eugene, OR. 

Darrell initially grew up in NE Oregon and around Oregon and Washington as his family moved to seek employment in the timber industry. After four high schools in four towns he began college at Oregon State University majoring in Forestry. Before completing his degree, he transferred to the University of Oregon’s School of Architecture, where he graduated in 1961. 

In 1956 he married Lois Patterson and they built a life together that spanned 61 years, living, working and raising their family in Eugene. 

In 1961 Darrell began work as a draftsman at the firm that would become TBG Architects and Planners. He was made a partner in the firm in 1967 and he retired in 2003 then "shared his wisdom" at the office until 2013. The other partners and members of the firm were more than just colleagues. Darrell also enjoyed many great friendships developed through his association with the Eugene Executive Association. 

Appointed by Governor Vic Atiyeh in 1982 to the Oregon State Board of Architect Examiners, Darrell eventually took national offices including President of National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) in 1996-1997. While volunteering in these positions he was instrumental in the conversion of then national architect's registration exam to a computer administered process. This position required many hours of time yet also facilitated travel to many interesting parts of the world working with architects around the country and around the globe. In 1997 Darrell was inducted into the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows. 

The highlight of Darrell and Lois's travels was a three-month trip around the world in 1999 visiting twelve countries on that excursion. Family trips included Mexico, Hawaii and many days at Mercer Lake. 

A lifelong Duck fan who attended hundreds of Oregon football and basketball games over the years, Darrell was usually wearing a "duck shirt" in retirement. Traveling to bowl games with friends and watching the Ducks on TV was a favorite pastime. 

Darrell is survived by his wife Lois, his sister Lois Dehne (Axel), daughter Michelle Pellitier (John), son Garth (Polly), four beloved grandchildren; Serena Pellitier Klimek (Jason), Ashley Wells Hubbard (Beaux), Peter Pellitier and Natalie Pellitier and two delightful great granddaughters; Sloane Klimek and Bess Hubbard. 

Friends are invited to raise a glass to Darrell on Sunday, March 18th from 4-6 pm. in the Cascade Manor Solarium. 

It was a "good run!"

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