LAS VEGAS — Adrian Smith, 60, formerly of Gambier, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2009, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.
He was born Sept. 26, 1948, in Chelmsford, England, to David and Barbara (Bennett) Smith. Adrian moved to Mount Vernon in 1978 with Rolls-Royce to become an integral part of Cooper Rolls, a joint venture between Cooper Industries and Rolls-Royce. He became a U.S. citizen in 1985 and fully embraced life in his adopted country. For the past seven years Adrian and his wife lived in Singapore where Adrian was Asia Pacific regional sales director for Rolls-Royce Energy, Oil & Gas.
Adrian is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Carolyn (Wheeler) Smith; son, Matthew Smith of Athens, Ga.; son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Sara (Blanchard) Smith of Los Angeles; and daughter, Nicola Smith of Las Vegas. He is also survived by his father, David Smith of Harrogate, England; sister and brother-in-law, Caroline and Phil Robinson of Chester, England; nephews, James and Christopher Robinson; and niece, Victoria Robinson.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Smith.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Adrian’s life will be held in Gambier at a later date to be announced. Adrian leaves a gap in the lives of his family and friends that can never be filled.
Submitted by Gina Blanchard.