Obituary of H. Lawrence Smith

H. Lawrence (Larry) Smith was born on October 28^th 1945, to Eleanor and Herbert Smith in Watertown New York.  As a young teenager, Larry and his sister Nancy relocated to Tucson Arizona with their mother and stepfather, Merrill Austin. Eleanor and Merrill opened the restaurant, Austin’s Ice Cream, a Tucson icon.   Larry delivered newspapers on his motorcycle, enjoyed dancing and graduated from Tucson High School. During the Vietnam War, Larry served as a Medical Corpsman in the Navy. After his service, he toured Europe then returned to Arizona to pursue a Master’s Degree in Fine Art.  Larry enjoyed painting landscapes, local businesses and specialized in drawing the human figure. He was a part of a local drawing group and taught art as an assistant professor. Larry met his long-time partner, Paula Bureau in 1977, and they married in 1985. They have one son together, Adam. Larry worked at Tucson Medical Center for over 30 years while continuing his art work and pursuit of knowledge. A life-long learner, Larry was awarded his second Master’s Degree in Education.  Larry had a passion for Philosophy and helped manage the local Socrates Philosophy Group. He loved studying language, chess, art, politics and the teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti.  Above all, Larry loved spending time with his family.  Lawrence Smith passed away with his loving wife Paula at his side, in the early morning hours on January 27^th after a long battle with dementia. He is survived by his son Adam and wife Paula Smith.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday February 25^th at 1:00pm at the home of Paula’s sister at 8226 E. Big Horn Trail.  Please call or text Paula at 520-784-4153 or call or text Michelle at 520-245-1702 for details.