It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hugh Allen Smith, MD, on February 18, 2023. Born Helen and Harold Smith in his park in Melrose, Illinois on October 7, 1927, his long life was filled with love, family, and adventure. He grew up in Illinois, attended the University of Illinois, and served in the US Army in El Paso, Texas. He attended Northwestern University medical school where he met his beautiful wife of 72 years, Jane Ellen Cots-Smith. They married her on July 21, 1950 in Chicago. Dr. Smith is an obstetrician and gynecologist who has helped bring over 6,000 babies into the world. Hugh and Jane started living together in Chicago, where he worked at his maternity center in Chicago. They then lived in Wichita, Kansas, where he was a captain in the U.S. Air Force, worked at Weld County Hospital in Greeley, Colorado, and Elmhurst, Illinois, where most of the Broadview-based practice was at Westlake. rice field. community hospital. After enjoying Tucson as “Snowbird,” the two moved in his 1997 full-time. Over the years, Hugh has taken his family on great adventures, including rafting on the Colorado River, driving the Arcan His Highway to Alaska, and crossing the Kansas prairies in a covered wagon. He took four children to college and was proud of his ability to expand his education through diverse travel and cultural experiences. Hugh and Jane traveled all over the world and constantly learned about the people and places they visited. They have hiked Machu Picchu and the Milford Track, snorkeled in the Galapagos Islands, explored the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and “cruised” the Hebrides on a converted fishing boat. As a volunteer, Dr. Smith impacted many through his Rotary club and Stephen’s ministry. He shared his talent for singing music in the church choir and entertaining his family with a wonderful repertoire of silly songs. His friends, family, and caregivers recognize not only what he has passed on for generations, but his storytelling and boundless sense of humor, as well as his enduring interest in them as people. Hugh and Jane “adopted” his YMCA (Etes Park, Colorado) cabin in the Rocky Mountains. This is the place I used to visit with my family when I was a kid. They shared their love of the Rocky Mountains with their children and continued their tradition of gathering with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for a family reunion and staying at Y. Hugh and Jane will travel together in July 2022. I attended a recent family reunion that was broken up. Their cabin, Ghostrider (named after “their” song), served as a summer retreat to enjoy visits with friends and family. Hugh is survived by his wife, Jane Ellen Cots-Smith. Children, Gerrit Smith (Debra), Lisa Fox (Darrell), Kimberly Otello (Walter), Wendy Melluke (Ray). Grandchildren Andy Smith (Marina), Ryan Smith (Christine), Gabriel Smith (Ashley), Abigail Fox (Nick), Benjamin Fox (Gabriel), Annarose Otero Colbert (Dustin), Allen Otero, Beata Melluke, Forrest Melluke, Suzanne Cox (Josh), Brett Winger (Bridget), Scott Otero, Raymond Otero. 22 great-grandchildren, sister Marilyn Steele (Howard) and brother-in-law William Cots (M.D.). He is predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Sarah Ann Smith, and his grandson, Mark Damon Otello. Hugh (“It’s a hug with an H”) is sorely missed. As he likes to say, “Have a nice day. It’s a command, not a suggestion!” It will be held at Casas Adobes Congregational Church in Tucson, AZ. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the YMCA of the Rockies, Chapel Program, Dorsey Museum, or Casas Adobe His Congregational Church Music Program. Arranged by BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL.