Dr. Robert M. Smith, Chief of Anesthesia at the Children’s Medical Center from 1946 – 1980 died on November 25 at the age of 97. He was preceded by Margaret L. Smith, his wife of sixty nine years and his parents Frances and Elsie Smith, all of whom lived their lives in Winchester. Dr. Smith leaves his children, Marcia S. Dalva of Larkspur, CA, Jonathan E. Smith of Wellesley, MA and Karen S.Young of Andover, MA. His grandchildren are Mathew, Corey, Marshall and Jessica Dalva, Baxter and Mason Smith, Ellen King and Kristine Young. Robert’s great grandchildren are Nathan and Zachary.
Robert was home schooled by Elsie Smith then attended the Brown and Nichols School, Dartmouth College and Harvard Medical School. He served in France and Germany during World War II and jointed Children’s Hospital in 1945 becoming Chief of Anesthesia in 1946. From 1980 through 1992 he practiced at the Franciscan Hospital for Children. In 1959 the first of four editions of his book, Anesthesia for Infants and Children, was published. The four texts were specifically dedicated to the anesthetic management and care of children. Dr. Smith was later referred to as the Father of Pediatric Anesthesia. He was the first pediatric anesthesiologist to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
Robert enjoyed traveling with Margaret and they were avid bird watchers and shell collectors. He spent long hours horseback riding with Marcia, skiing with Karen and skating on the ponds with Jon. At an early age he became an Eagle Scout, took up golf and enjoyed playing in Winchester and Rockport. He and his father Frances played in a memorable tournament against Francis Ouimet and did very well.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Winchester Unitarian Church 478 Main Street on Saturday, December 12 at 1:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, our family would appreciate donations made in memory of Dr. Robert Smith to Children’s Hospital Boston. Please mail checks to Children’s Hospital Trust, 1 Autumn Street #731 Boston, MA 02215-5301 or donate online at www.childrenshospital.org/giving.