- Date Of Birth: April 21, 1935
- Date Of Death: September 1, 2019
- State: Indiana
Sidney Russell Smith passed away on September 1, 2019 at IU Health Bloomington Hospital surrounded by family. A long time Bloomington resident, he succumbed to his struggle with chronic lymphatic leukemia and cardiac issues. He was born in Evanston, IL on April 21, 1935. His parents were Philip D and Doris (Yamer) Smith. The family lived many places before Sid came to Bloomington in his Senior year at Bloomington High School.
It was his 22nd home. In 1957 Sid began working in the new family business known as Smith’s Shoe Store on the east side of the square. He also was attending Indiana University. He met Riette D. Thomas through friends on campus. They ultimately decided they wanted to be together and eloped in April 1958. Over the years they had two children, Sharon Smith in 1959 and Steven Smith in 1962. Sid spent many years at Smith’s Shoes caring for his customers and doing his daily accounting, After he left Smith’s, he went to Vincennes University where he studied Respiratory Therapy. He wished to be of more service to others.
Survivors include his wife, Riette Thomas Smith, one son Steve Smith (Lindsay) of Bloomington IN, one daughter Sharon Smith also of Bloomington Indiana, Grandchildren, Sidney Addyson Smith, Elaina Morgan Smith Sezar, Sawyer Elle Smith and Hudson Steven Smith. Sidney was preceded in death by his parents Philip and Doris Smith and his younger brother Howard.
Sid was a kind and also curious man. He loved his family and children, in general. He was saddened by this age where he could no longer just approach a child he didn’t know and play with them without being suspect. Some children called him the man who found quarters in their ears! He also was a caretaker. In fact, he was literally a caretaker to the end. He knew Riette needed juice –the kind in heavy glass bottles. The day before he passed, although feeling poorly, Sid went to the grocery store and returned with many bottles of juice. Although he was unable to carry it, he received assistance at the store and at home. When returning from the hospital (after Sid’s passing), Riette saw the juice in the pantry, in her kitchen, and dissolved into tears. Although sometimes very traditional, he supported his wife’s career, and helped with household chores.
Sid was active in Jaycees and was President of the men’s B’nai Brith when there was a local chapter. After leaving the army he was with an 8 man intelligence unit to serve out his time and beyond. In his later years in Bloomington he served on the Traffic Commission, often as the chair.
From a daughter’s viewpoint, Sid was a safety net. He was the one who always made sure we had lunch money, mittens, and advice; plenty of advice. When dropping Shari off at College (out-of-state for the first time), he gave an awesome speech about reinventing oneself and the myriad of possibilities the future would hold. A particularly fond memory is of Shari taking Sid to Vancouver, British Columbia (while living in Seattle). After a full day of being tourists, we were relaxing over high tea at The Empress. Delicate noshes were plentiful and it was good to relax. Unfortunately, both fell asleep and missed the hydroplane back to Seattle. But Sid was also a good sport and a change of plans was accommodated. Sid was an honest, kind, caring father and one to be proud of.
Good citizen, dutiful son, adoring grandfather, loving dad and husband, thoughtful uncle. ..Sid Smith.
