Birth date: Jun 1, 1928 Death date: May 21, 2018
Kenneth R. Smith passed away peacefully on Monday, May 21, 2018, surrounded by his wife and children. Born in Riverside, Ken was 89 years old. He was a resident of Palmyra since 1955. Beloved husband of 68 years to Eleanor F. (Lu Read Obituary
sorry to see your dad passed, RANDY. We sure did have some fun in that small town. YOUR OLD FRIEND, LENNY F.
How do you sum up a man’s life you call Daddy? So many memories; you want more time with him. I didn’t have to think hard, I do not have to say too much. All you have to do is look around this room. nWhat I see is my Mom, the love of Daddy’s life, who loved Daddy every second of her life. My brothers, Kenny, Randy and Bradley who went above and beyond what most people could do to care for Daddy when he no longer could care for himself. My sisters, Karen and Lori who so unselfishly took time away from their own families to care for Daddy. Their spouses, Denise, Debbie, Craig, Chris, who held down the forts while our Daddy needed help.All you have to do is look at all the pictures of Daddy’s life. Everyday he was loved. When I was a young girl, 5,6 years of age, we had a swing set Daddy built between two pear trees, like in the video. Probably a 15 ft high 12 feet wide beam supported the swing set; which Daddy built. I would climb up the pear tree on one side & walk across the beam to the other side. Like one of the Wallenda’s. Mom would stand at the back door hollering to Daddy, “Why do you let her do that?” It was our thing! Daddy would shout back,” I’ll catch her if she falls.” I was never afraid; I knew Daddy would catch me. He caught all of us at different times in our lives. That was Daddy for us, someone we could trust. He was a man of integrity, deeply loved and respected by all. His family, friends, business associates, our friends, everyone loved Daddy. I could count on less than one hand the times I saw my Daddy angry. Daddy took life in stride; made it look easy. If he complained, which was rare, it was about the weather when it affected the pool business. These last months, Daddy complained a lot, but that wasn’t who we knew so we knew he needed us more than ever.We take it for granted so much of what Mom and Dad accomplished, we grew up with it, its what we knew. When you really stand back and think about it, Mom & Daddy together were a dynamic team. They raised six incredible children. They built a very success business from scratch, Niagara Pools. Like the stone wall around the house in the Poconos, each piece was perfectly put together with love. What we affectionally call “the Farm” in Moorestown, was a dream home for Mom and Dad. How many hours did we drive around in that three-seated station wagon looking for the perfect house to restore! They did not care about taking cruises, playing golf or flying to Europe. What they loved was all the planning, looking for antiques, design work, the gardens, spending time together. Daddy could build anything. He was an exceptional craftsman, wood was his specialty! Give the man a piece of wood & he would turn it into a masterpiece. Mom loves any kind of old antique wooden chair. Daddy fixed more chairs for Mom than Lazy Boy ever built. Neither of them, had specialized training in anything they accomplished. What they had; was passion for what they loved doing together; never giving up; believing they could; and believing in each other and God. Daddy’s have a special place; especially in a girl’s life. My first son, Marty Ott III, was named after his Dad, Martin Ott, Jr., who was named after his Dad; Martin Ott, Sr. When I found out I was having another baby, I still had my girl name picked. I needed a boy name. We both agreed if it was a son, there was only one other name that would be worthy of another blessing and that was Kenneth, named after my Daddy. I know my Dad loved Kenny named after him, because he knew I loved him so much. Look around the room and you will see our Daddy, Pop and Father lived a wonderful life. Mom, we all thank you so so very much for taking such good care of Daddy for us; especially in the last ten years. If not for you, he would have never been here with us this long, and we all agree. You were Daddy’s inspiration, love, drive and reason he enjoyed such a wonderful life. Deepest Love, Kathi
Daddy loving coffee and pastry on a Sunday morning. Mommy always made sure he looked his best and took wonderful care of him. I love you Daddy. He always said, “You better!” Love Kathi, aka Crackers
