Despite being born in Hazard, Ken., (September 25, 1954) and passing in San Carlos, Calif. (June 27,2018), Dave Smith always considered himself a Hoosier.
A 1972 East Noble High School graduate, Dave ran track and cross country and played basketball for the Knights. Many remember him for his ball-handling on the hardwood, or his persistence in his running, improving his skills year after year. Even more remember Dave for teaching them those skills.
Before college at Vincennes and IPFW, Dave was already coaching youth sports. He continued to coach after marrying Paula Baker Smith in 1976 and beginning a rewarding career at King-Seeley in Kendallville, continuing onto United Technologies in Huntington, Ind. Many of his favorite teams included those of his daughters, Tarrah (Pollaro) and Tricia and their friends. Dave coached basketball, softball and baseball and could often be found down at East Noble High School track meets cheering on whichever runner was attempting to break his long-standing distance records.
Dave loved his community and spent time volunteering at Trinity Church United Methodist and with the Kendallville Jaycees and Junior Achievement. Dave also served on the boards of the YMCA and the Kendallville Parks Department and always helped the many teams and organizations his daughters were involved in, including the show choir and athletic programs.
To honor his life, the family has established this scholarship to help an East Noble student who is not only an athlete, but also gives back to the community that gave so much to Dave.
