SMITH - Dr. Clay T. Smith, a long-time resident of Socorro and a 40-year professor of Geology at New Mexico Tech, passed away early Monday, November 10. He was 86. Dr. Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 30, 1917, and moved with his family to California in 1922. He attended the California Institute of Technology, where he earned his PhD in June, 1943. In 1947, Dr. Smith began his career at New Mexico School of Mines as Assistant Professor of engineering and Acting Head of the Department of Engineering. he held various positions at the college, including Head of the Department of Geology, Dean of Students and Director of Admissions, eventually retiring as Professor Emeritus of Geology in 1987. Always active in community affairs, Clay was a Charter Member of the Socorro Lions Club (for which he served as secretary and two-time president). He was heavily involved in the Socorro First Presbyterian church, serving as a Ruling Elder, member of the Session, Deacon, and frequent soloist in the choir. Additionally, Clay was Treasurer for the Friends of the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Clay's lifelong love of athletics led him to a position as a graduate assistant in the Physical Education Department at Caltech during his graduate years. He was assistant coach of Caltech's Freshman football and track teams in 1938-39 and head coach of these teams in 1939-40 and 1942-43. In New Mexico athletic, Clay served as an official for high school football and basketball from his arrival in 1947 until his retirement in 1987. This 40-year commitment to athletics in the state resulted in his induction into the New Mexico Official Association's Hall of Fame in July, 1989. Dr. Smith was instrumental in expanding the study of Geology and other earth sciences throughout New Mexico, primarily through his work with the State science and Engineering Fair (for which he served as Director twice), and Visiting Professor programs. He participated in several educational television productions with dr. George Fishbeck and KNME TV in Albuquerque, and also served as General Chairman of the International Science and Engineering Fair held in Albuquerque in 1983, which hosted exhibitors from around the world. Following his retirement from full-time teaching in 1987, Clay continued his professional career through consultation services. he served as a Lecturer in Physical Geology for the University of Maryland's Malaysian Campus in Kuala Lumper, Malaysia, and provided expert services on a number of projects in the Southwest and Peru. For the last 13 years, Clay served as the Regional Director of Alumni Relations for Caltech, covering the western states. Professionally, Dr. Smith was a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologist, an Honorary Member of the New Mexico Geological society, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a Member of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. He was a Charter/Emeritus Member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, a Life Member of the New Mexico Academy of Science, and a Member of Sigma XI, New Mexico Chapter. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sallie; his son, Dean and daughter-in-law, Pat, of Upland, California; son, Stan, and daughter-in-law, Sheri, of Rancho Palos Verdes, California; as well as four grandchildren, Kirsten Stephen of Houston, Texas, Derek Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, and Caitlin and McKenna Ulrich-Smith of Rancho Palos Verdes. Information on memorial services is still pending. Those wishing to remember Clay are invited to donate to the Friends of the Bosque Del Apache, New Mexico Science and Engineering Fair, Socorro First Presbyterian Church, or the Caltech Alumni Fund. Interment will be at the Pacific View Memorial Park in Costa Mesa, California.