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SMITH -- FORREST SEERY SMITH Finished his happy and interesting journey through life on Monday evening September 6, 2010 after a long illness. Born on October 20, 1929 in Omaha, Nebraska, he was raised in Topeka, Kansas, the Seery family home town. After high school, Forrest left for New Mexico to attend UNM, where he graduated with a degree in anthropology and a minor in Spanish. He then spent a year in Mexico City on a Fulbright Scholarship studying anthropology and history at the National University of Mexico. Forrest spent the next nine years in the automatic controls industry traveling as a factory rep, working out of Albuquerque, Salt Lake City and Phoenix. After many miles of traveling it was time for a major career change. He returned to UNM to attend law school, passing the bar in 1964. For the next year he clerked for Judge H. Vearle Payne in the United States District Court in Albuquerque. In 1965 Forrest moved to Santa Fe where he clerked for Judge Oliver Seth in the United States 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. He then worked in trust administration and investments at the First National Bank of Santa Fe for eleven years. During his career he practiced with the law firm of White, Koch, Kelly and McCarthy and later with Catron, Catron and Pottow, concentrating in the areas of trusts, probate and estate planning. He was a member of the professional organization, American College of Trust and Estate Planning. In 1982, still a bachelor, Forrest re-met a former schoolmate from Topeka, Jean Hillyer, and they were married in 1984. With one "I do" Forrest became a husband, father and grandfather. He adjusted very well to his new life, enjoying the children and grandchildren very much. He and Jean had many wonderful years together, traveling and visiting with family and friends. During his professional life, Forrest was active in many organizations in Santa Fe, serving as a board member with St. Vincent Hospital and the Hospital Foundation, Visiting Nurse Association, School of American Research, Santa Fe Community Foundation and Loma Encantada Home Owner's Association. Forrest was preceded in death by his mother Irene Seery Smith; his father Xenophon Palmer Smith; brother Xenophon P. Smith Jr.; and sister-in-law Evelyn Visser Smith. He is survived by his wife Jean; her three children: David Buffer and Steven Buffer of Louisville, CO, Laurie Buffer of Santa Fe; and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his four nieces and nephews, Marlene Worman and Phil Smith, Derby, KS, Seaton Smith, Powell, WY, and Denise Corliss, Red Feather Lakes, CO; as well as seven great nieces and nephews. Forrest sends his love to all family and friends and reminds everyone to "sing a song, have fun along the way." In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Forrest's name to St. Vincent Hospital Foundation, PO Box 2107, Santa Fe, NM 87504 or the Santa Fe Community Foundation, 516 Alto St., Santa Fe, NM 87501, or PMS Hospice, 1400 Chama, Santa Fe, NM 87505. A Celebration of Life was held before Forrest died. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600
        Published on: Thu September 09, 2010