Smith, Harry R.

Harry R. Smith, of 712 Eastmoor Dr., Iowa City, died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Harry deeded his body to research, and gave the gift of sight through donation of his corneas. Arrangements are with Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service.

Harry Robert Smith was born May 9, 1935, in Elmira, N.Y., the only child of Joseph Robert and Etta Jean Smith. He grew up in the resort town of Old Forge, N.Y., in the Adirondack Mountains. Harry's father was the caretaker at Old Forge until his unexpected death in 1956. Harry learned to ski at a very young age and skiing McCauley Mountain was a favorite pastime along with fishing, and hiking. His other passion was reading. 

Harry was a proud graduate of St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. In the late 1950s, he left New York by train bound for Iowa City after accepting an invitation to join the staff of the University of Iowa, Institute of Public Affairs as a research specialist. During his long career at the Institute of Public Affairs, he authored several books on local government, including “A Handbook for County Supervisors,” and “Home Rule for Iowa.” Harry retired in the early 1980s as associate of resident scientists for the Institute of Public Affairs. 

Harry joined the Iowa City Host Noon Lions Club in 1966 and was an active member until his death. He was a shining example of the club's motto, “We Serve” as the club's secretary from 1976-2007. He supported each of the club's efforts to help those with eye and vision problems, as well as those affected by natural disasters everywhere in the world. His precise and timely record-keeping abilities earned him accolades from state and national Lions Club leaders. Harry was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest honor bestowed by Lions Club International Foundation for service to mankind, the Warren Coleman Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Iowa Lions Clubs Foundation for service to Iowa Lions, and the James E. Stronks Memorial award given to a local club member who exemplifies the spirit of Lionism.

In addition to his service to the community through the Lions Club, Harry was one of the founding members of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Johnson County in the early 1980s. After a long recovery from a life threatening traffic accident as a young man, Harry never again drove a car and relied on Iowa City Transit for his daily trips to the Iowa City Public Library where his passion for reading and research were evident. 

Harry was a longtime member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Iowa City. He was looking forward to worshipping for the first time at the Dedication Mass at the church's new location in Coralville on Nov. 14, 2009.

A victim of the 2008 Iowa City flood, Harry was able to return and begin to restore his home thanks to help from his dear and caring neighbors, fellow Lions, and church members. A cheery wave with his white hair flying was his signature greeting whenever he spotted you while he was riding his three-wheel scooter down his westside neighborhood street to or from the bus stop, George's, Mercy Hospital cafeteria, or the Iowa City Public Library.

Memorials may be directed to St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 300012th Ave., Coralville, IA 52241.

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