Duane A. Smith radiated history, delivering his lectures in a full voice, always in motion. He drew his listeners into events that took place 150 years ago as though they were immediate, setting a long-passed stage with all its pieces. He surrounded core events – the revenues of mines and railroads, the founding of newspapers, labor issues – with a mix of geographic, social, spiritual and cultural details that provided context. He enjoyed and shared the excesses of significant characters.
Fort Lewis College was Smith’s only faculty position. With three degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder, he arrived in 1964 to fill a position that became available when Dr. Robert Delaney became the director of the new Center of Southwest Studies. Students, when asked who was most memorable, would with enthusiasm cite his name. Their appreciation of history likely had been elevated.
Teaching, and writing more than 50 books mostly about the state’s mining legacy, filled Smith’s time, except for following the fortunes of the Chicago Cubs. Spouse Gay, as his editor and timekeeper, was critical to the output that he enjoyed delivering, which rightfully led to all of the state’s awards in the fields of history and humanities that he received.
At 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, in the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, a celebration of Smith’s life will take place to recognize his many contributions to scholarship. He has a well-deserved legacy.
