Louis R. Smith

Louis R Smith, 74, of Loudon, NH passed away peacefully after a period of declining health surrounded by family on February 5, 2024 at Concord Hospital. After he became ill he was no longer able to do things that brought him joy, he was one to help but not be helped. He was given a chance to fight for his life and he did. 

Louie was the 3rd child of 15 born to William Ross Smith Sr. and Mildred Rita (Noonan) Smith in Somerville, Massachusetts. Throughout childhood he grew up in Boston for his first 10 years, and then moved to NH where he lived in Barnstead and Milton Mills. As a teenager he raked blueberries for Arthur Joy and Sons in New Durham, and would also pick strawberries in Barnstead for Malcolm Lock. As an adult he worked for many years at The Pittsfield Shoe Company in Pittsfield; he then went to work for Davidson Rubber in Farmington. He retired on May 31, 2011 from working full time at the NH State Hospital after 20+ years of service, where he worked in the laundry and grounds department, he could be seen driving around the campus in "Lou's Cab". He would take vacation from the state to work as a security guard at Loudon Speedway, to watch the race and had the opportunity to meet drivers. Even when he worked for the state, he spent the evening hours as a bus driver for Bishop Brady High School, he loved watching the kids sporting events. Even after retirement he continued to drive bus for Bishop Brady, and then he began driving bus for The Boys and Girls Club. 

Outside of work he loved being a volunteer firefighter. He was a volunteer firefighter in the 80s for a few years at New Hampton Fire Department, he also volunteered on the Pittsfield Fire Department, but the place he loved his time at was The Center Barnstead Fire Department. He collected fire trucks and other firefighter items. During the winter one of his favorite things to do was to dress up as Santa and go visit kids in the neighborhood, but mostly the Christmas parties at The Moose in Concord, it was an event he looked forward to every year, until The Moose closed its doors.  

He was an avid motorcyclist, up until he had his knees replaced he could be seen all summer on a Honda Goldwing. After he had his knees replaced he traded in the full dresser for a bright red Honda  trike. If he heard there was a poker run or charity run he was there, no matter the cause, he was always willing and waiting to ride. One of his favorite rides on his bike was up The Kanc. He loved bike week in Laconia always making it a point to make it to the hill climbs and a drive or two through the boulevard. He enjoyed catching up with his pals in Florida during Daytona Bike Week. On occasion he could be found at The Harley Rendezvous in NY, he loved sharing his stories from all of these events.   

Louie has been a lifetime member of the Concord VFW post #1631, where he could be seen on a daily basis to sign the book, up until his hospitalization last August. Prior to The Moose closing he would stop by both places everyday to sign the books, get his lottery tickets; that he played the same numbers on since he was old enough to buy them. He has been an active member of the board for Freedom Hill Coop in Loudon, where he loved his time plowing in the winter and helping his neighbors. 

He had such a contagious laugh, loved spending time with family and friends. If he could help anyone, he was the first one to be there. He always gave and expected nothing in return. He loved camping in the summer and loved it when he purchased the A-line for him and Kim, he said it was so easy to crank open, compared to other pop-up's he had owned. He was not a fan of football, but he did love the Yankees and Nascar. He was and always will be a fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr. #3.  He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and all of the many nieces and nephews. He tried to keep in touch with all of them and be available for them. 

He was predeceased by his parents William Ross Smith Sr, Mildred Rita (Noonan) Smith; his son Louis Richard Smith Jr; his siblings James R. Smith, Mildred (Sis) R. Smith, Samuel R. Smith, Dorothy R. Smith, and Fredrick R. Smith. 

He is survived by his wife Kimberly H.Smith of Loudon, children Larry R. Smith and wife Alisha of New Hampton, Melissa R. Smith and husband Charlie of Bristol, Melinda M. Smith of Plymouth; grandchildren Meredith Smith of Pittsfield, Rebecca Smith of Greenville, NC, Jazmin Ivers of Bristol, Mariah Reed of Plymouth, Haylee Reed of Bristol, Kayden Ivers of Bristol, his only grandson Austin Reed of Plymouth and last but not least Renesmee Ivers of Bristol. He is also survived by his siblings, William R. Smith Jr.  and wife Sandy of Belmont, John R. Smith and wife Diane of Manchester, TN, Linda R. Dube and husband Jean of Northern Cambria, PA, Ernie R. Smith of Manchester NH, David R. Smith and wife Laurie of Manchester, Vincent R. Smith of Pembroke, Paul R. Smith of Dover, Elizabeth R. Smith of Canterbury, Michael R. Smith of Concord, and many nieces and nephews. 

The family wishes to thank everyone for all the love and support, but especially the ICU team and Cardiothoracic Surgery team led by Dr. Louis Russo at Concord Hospital for all of the care and compassion provided, and giving him a fighting chance at life, right up till the end. He went in knowing the possible outcome, and went in ready to fight and that's what he did, he fought to live! 

A celebration of life is planned for Sunday February 18, 2024, 1pm-4pm at the Concord VFW post # 1631, 6 Court Street Concord, NH.

If you wish to make a charitable donation in Louie's name they can be made to Concord VFW post 1631 Women's Auxiliary, 6 Court Street, Concord NH and/or the Center Barnstead Fire Department, 106 S. Barnstead Rd, Center Barnstead NH. These places and their missions were near and dear to Lou.