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Smith -- Frederick "Fred" G. Smith, 70, born in Wesley PA, and a resident of Albuquerque since 1954 passed away unexpectedly at home Monday, October 1, 2001. He is survived by his wife, Anita Smith of Albuquerque; son, Brian G. Smith of Antioch, CA; daughter, Elisa Baca and husband, Vince of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Bryce, Arianna and Shelby Baca, all of Albuquerque; brother-in-law, Ray Evans of Palm springs, CA; dear family friend, Marion "Nanny" Leech of Albuquerque; and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Smith attended Wesley Public Schools and graduated from Grove City High School in 1949. He attended Slippery Rock University and Syracuse University Extension and then graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1957 with a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in 1967. He was employed by Albuquerque Public Schools as a social studies teacher at Jefferson Middle School and retired in 1985 after teaching for 27 years. Before retirement, he was social studies department chairman. He was a member of the Albuquerque Classroom Teachers Association, National Education Association, Phi Kappa Alpha, and the Order of the Red Red Rose. He served on many district social studies committees and school evaluation teams. He was a veteran of the Korean War and loved his country. He joined the Air Force in 1950 and served with the 3rd Bay Wing, 90th Bomb Squad and 3rd Member Squadron at Kunsa, Korea. He performed fabric maintenance on B-26 invader light bombers. He was discharged in 1954 from Kirtland Air Force Base. He was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church since 1958. He served on the education workshop committee, finance committee and the administration board. He loved to sing with vocal groups. He was a member of the New Mexi-Chords since 1972. For many years, he coordinated the travel plans for the chorus when going to competitions throughout the United States. In addition to his love of singing, he loved to travel. He enjoyed playing golf, following sports team (especially the Pittsburgh Pirates) and attending UNM basketball and football games. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and especially loved playing with his grandchildren who lovingly called him "Papa." Memorial Services will be held Friday, October 5, 2001, at 4:00 p.m., at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona NE, with Rev. Jim Hawk officiating. A reception and celebration of Fred's life will be held immediately following the Service at the family home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. John's United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2626 Arizona NE, 87110, and also the Heart Program at Presbyterian Hospital 1100 Central SE. 87106. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Fri October 05, 2001