Joel Smith

Madison - Joel Pritchard Smith of Madison passed away on April 10. He was 80 years old. Joel is survived by his beloved friend, Carol Ferguson of Madison; daughters, Becky McDaniel of Basalt, CO, and Jennifer Cummings of Granger, IN; his sons-in-law, David McDaniel and Mark Cummings; and his sister and lifelong friend, Barbara Besadny. His six loving grandchildren brought him much joy: Bonnie [Arsene] Muhigirwa and Duncan McDaniel; Charlie, Christine, Peter and Chase Cummings; and great grandson Nico Muhigirwa delighted him. He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Mimi Smith Brown in 2000. Joel was born on June 30, 1933, to Florence and Lavern Smith and grew up in Delavan. He graduated from Beloit College (BA, 1955); was a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University in England (1955-1957); and received a law degree from the University of Wisconsin (1960). He practiced law for several years in Minneapolis prior to entering academia. He was an outstanding university administrator, serving as Dean of Students, Provost, and a Vice President at Stanford University; and President of Denison University. Upon retirement, Joel returned to the place his heart called home, Madison. In his professional as well as social and family roles, he balanced remarkable poise and intelligence with steadfast compassion. He loved children and could bring them to peals of laughter with his funny ways, had an uncanny ability to remember details of people he met, and touched the lives of many. Those who knew him will remember his keen intellect, quick wit, dashing style and generosity. In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be sent to First Unitarian Society, Joel P Smith Fund, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison, WI 53705.