- Date Of Birth: May 11, 1936
- Date Of Death: October 19, 2015
- State: Texas
May 11, 1936 – October 19, 2015
Donald Avery Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many past-away at his home surrounded by family on the morning of October 19, 2015. Born in Plainview, Texas to Ray and Erma Smith on May 11, 1936. Don graduated from West Texas State in 1959 with a BA in Music Education and Instruction before pursuing his first career as band director in Sunray, Texas. Along with life-long friend John Shaw, he started the Mile High Jazz Festival now in it’s 52nd. year. His music career peaked when he went to a 4A school in Westminster, CO., where he obtained high marks and awards for his marching, concert and symphony bands. Trophies and plaques adorn his office, but meant little to him compared to the love and respect of his students and their parents. Don co-founded the Colorado Band Masters Association, which is now in it’s 50th year and some years later, was instrumental in founding the Winter Park Music Festival with his sister Jae Jones.
He pursued a Master’s in Education Administration and graduated in 1969 from Greeley, Co. His dream of living in the mountains led him to Granby, CO. Among the many programs that he and his teachers implemented, was an outdoor education program that involved a weeklong raft trip for juniors and seniors; a life changing experience for many.
In 1976, he became a realtor and established Smith and Company Real Estate in Winter Park, CO. He grew the office quickly, started a property and rental management program for condominiums and developed a multi-family project. An entrepreneur at heart, Don developed his first of many communities ending at the Fairways at Pole Creek.
