Frank Rees Smith ’59

Frank Rees Smith ’59, M.D.,died on January 16. He entered Dartmouth from the Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, and was a member of Alpha Theta and Phi Beta Kappa. Frank was in the 3/2 program with the Medical School, then a two-year school. He completed his M.D. at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons and, following appointments at several New York City hospitals, was an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia. He began a career with Exxon Corp. in 1978, and in 1981 became the director of medicine and environmental affairs for Exxon Chemical Co. At his retirement in 2002 Frank was senior scientific advisor for Exxon. His interest in public health and occupational health and safety led to him to Exxon, where he helped track the health and well-being of employees and oversaw the setup and staffing of clinical care facilities. He and Gwynneth, his wife of 54 years, raised their family in New Canaan, Connecticut; lived in Annapolis, Maryland following retirement; and spent their summers on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Frank had many interests, including music, reading and gardening, and he was for many years a docent and board member of Holly Hill Arboretum on Martha’s Vineyard. He also was an active member of the Dartmouth Medical School class of 1960, serving as its secretary and representing the Medical School on the Dartmouth Alumni Council. He leaves Gwynneth; children Christopher, Cynthia and Katherine and their spouses; and nine grandchildren.