Ross Smith Guestbook

I just learned of Ross' passing from the Lyons Township High School alumni newsletter. He and I were good friends in high school and we were both members of the LTHS debate team. One of my fondest memories is partnering with Ross on the JV team and going 4-0 against some of the best high school teams in the Chicago area, including New Trier East, New Trier West and Arlington High. I was paired with Ross two days before the event. He made me practice the opening monologue with a tape recorder and orchestrated the whole thing. We lost touch after high school and I am both shocked and saddened by his passing and happy that he achieved so much in his too-short life. Our prayers are with his family. Vaya con Dios, amigo.

— David Emberson
September 17, 2009 - 05:42 PM

I didn’t know Ross Smith, the highly regarded and nationally acclaimed debate coach and maker of champions. I knew him as a committed and enthusiastic Obama campaign worker who inspired me to turn my few hours a week as a volunteer into many 10-hour days. I understand why he will be sorely missed by so many. My condolences to the family.

— Tom Blair
September 12, 2009 - 11:25 AM

We received the Wake Forest Magazine (Sep 2009) and learned of Ross' death. We worked with him on the Obama campaign. What a great guy! I have thought of him frequently over the months since. We pledged to have dinner after the winning election. I'm so sorry!

— Ellen Blair
September 11, 2009 - 07:47 PM

Jayne and Alex,wish I could quit crying to type this.

Hope ya'll are well. Keep thinking I!!! introduced jayne to Ross.

Arm going, but please give best to Mrs. Smith.

Best time with Ross was at Aunt's house near Ashville, and I got him to Sliding Rock, 60 miles south of Ashville. Greater than any NDT!!!

Jayne, remember Luke and Laura----the Ice Princess???

— Tod Woodbury
September 09, 2009 - 12:45 AM

Just last week I learned of Ross's passing. I live in LaGrange.Il where the Smiths were my neighbors when Ross was about 5 and the Smith family was
only, Dr Smith, Marguerite, Ross, Gibson and Jenny. He was my daughter's playmate and we were all family. Sarah was supposed to call me but the last time we talked, she called to tell of her father's death, so I guess she didn't want to pass on more bad news.
Nate Jr. Sarah and Andrew were all born while they still lived in the area, but they moved back east and
we
didn't have the opportunity to share their adulthood. Dr Smith sent the Christmas cards and he didn't brag of the children's accomplishments. I
called Marguerite just a week ago and she gave me the news. I just thought I would "Google" Ross and see what might be on line about him. I am so impressed and sorry I didn't get to see him in action. He always had a leadership quality and he had wise and loving parents to guide him. I never met Jayne nor Alex and only saw Ross for a short time 10 years ago on my way home from Florida when we stopped in Winston Salem to visit Marguerite and Nate. They mentioned Ross and his debate teams, but I guess they didn't really brag enough.
My deepest sympathy to Jayne and Alex.
I know you and his family will always miss him.
God Bless!
Frankie Kramer

— Frankie Kramer
August 31, 2009 - 08:42 PM

I am shocked and saddened to tears to have discovered, and only now, that this great and good man has left us. Ross and I were rough contemporaries; I remember, for example, how he hit my partner and me over the head (figuratively) in the last preliminary round at the 1978 NDT in Denver. But what I remember most particularly about Ross was his unassuming manner. His kindness, his almost-deferential care for others, his folksy demeanor, disguised a sharp intellect and incisive mind which often caught others off-guard. I remember him with deep affection, and am devastated by my failure to keep up with him in recent years. To his family I send both my fondest thoughts and deep condolences. I hope their grief is tempered at least a mite by the realization that Ross's great good nature, his heart, and his keen mind have left a lasting and positive impression on hundreds and thousands of people they may never meet.

— John M. Bredehoft
August 26, 2009 - 10:36 AM

I am stunned to hear of Ross's death. When I was a graduate student in speech communication, he was the debate coach. I helped with research and traveled some with the team. I will always remember the wonderful times and all of the things I learned through those experiences. Ross Smith was one of the best debate coaches I have ever known. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My sympathies to the Smith family and to the Wake Forest family.

Lots of love,

Peggy Beach, M.A. 1994
Raleigh, NC

— Peggy Beach
August 18, 2009 - 01:41 PM