Neil Kingston

Smith

Neil Kingston Smith passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 17, 2022. A fitting day to depart from this earth for an Irishman with a deep love for his alma mater, Notre Dame, and who spent many dedicated years working at Missouri S&T, where he was knighted into St. Patrick's Court and was a proud member of the Order of the Golden Shillelagh.

For two years, Neil pushed through chemotherapy treatments so he could enjoy as much time as possible with his family and friends, especially his three children and his wife Susan who was constantly by his side for 54 years of marriage. His oncologist thought he wouldn't be able to handle 1 treatment, and he did nearly 30. During his battle with cancer, he lived his life in the same way that he had before - - with humor, kindness and grit. He never complained and instead kept his quick wit, always leading with a joke and a huge smile. He was grateful, gracious and kind to everyone who cared for him, taking the time to get to know them on a personal level.

Neil was born June 17, 1940, in Rochester, New York. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1962 with a Business degree. His time in South Bend created a lifelong, die hard fan who often shouted colorful words at the announcers and coaches when his Fighting Irish did not live up to his expectations. He worked for several years at the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis, where his life was forever changed, when in 1965, he convinced a co-worker, Susan, to go on a date with him. Two years later they were married.

In 1970, he obtained his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. The following year, Neil began his 31-year career at Missouri S&T, first spending time in the administrative services department, where he was eventually promoted to Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services. He later found his career calling when he was promoted to Vice Chancellor of Alumni & Development as it allowed his passion for people to shine. He was widely respected at the University and was a treasured colleague.

Neil was a lifelong learner who loved to explore new hobbies as they opened his world to new friends and relationships. He played golf for years, traveling the country and Ireland to discover new courses. His love of canoeing the Missouri rivers led him to hand build a kayak in the garage so he and his eldest son could spend a few weeks in Canada on the St. Mary's River. Neil also enjoyed sailing his Flying Scot on Carlyle Lake. His tremendous love for his animals resulted in two new hobbies, bird hunting with his trusty lab and dog showing with his clumber spaniel. His most recent hobby was shooting trap, which he pursued with passion, participating in competitions in Missouri, Arizona and Florida, including during his chemotherapy treatments.

Neil was a tremendous friend to many and always strived to leave those who knew him better off because they knew him. He had a knack for making everyone feel appreciated and valued. Neil's greatest passion, though, was his family. Neil and Susan were best friends and deeply loved one another. They enjoyed watching sports together, playing bridge and other card games, and traveling the country, including to his favorite vacation spot, Walt Disney World. He had tremendous pride in his three children, offering them advice and guidance throughout their lives and ensuring they each felt every day his deep love and affection for them. To his grandchildren, whom he adored, he was Bumpa. He loved to sit and talk with them about their lives and found great joy in their accomplishments and activities, watching them play sports and perform in ballets and plays.

Neil will be terribly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Anne Smith; siblings Donna Ortelee and Kay Oestrich; and brothers-in-law Mark Ortelee, Cliff Oestrich, and Edward Cholerton. Surviving is his beloved wife of 54 years, Susan Maggi Smith of St. Louis, MO; his children, Christopher Smith (Kristi) of Rogersville, MO, Jennifer Smith Kingston (Robert Epperson) of St. Louis, MO, and Stephen Smith of Rolla, MO; daughter-in-law Carol Smith; grandchildren, Stone, Ellie, Campbell, Sahara, Sam, Sydney, Grant, Jack, Sasha, and Sebastian; sisters-in-law Marcia Cholerton and Dona Cundiff (Clay); and many other cherished relatives and friends.

Services: There will be a private immediate family Mass on March 26 at Ascension Catholic Church. We will celebrate Neil's life in St. Louis on Saturday, April 2 and in Rolla on Saturday, April 23. If you would like more information on either Celebration of Life event, please reach out to the family directly. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Rolla Animal Shelter or The Backstoppers, Inc. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.