Steamboat Springs has lost one of its community pillars of the last four decades. Arthur Earl (Art) Smith died in his sleep Friday, October 20, 2023 at home with his wife Gloria by his side. He was 94. Art was known throughout Steamboat as one of the founders of Steamboat's Strings Music Festival, serving as its initial and long-time chairman. He was loved in the Yampa Valley for his quick smile and wit, his gregarious charm, his leadership ability, and his abundant generosity with his time and resources.

Art was born in Houston in 1928 and grew up there during the Great Depression. A lover of reading and of learning, he admitted he was the only ten-year-old in his neighborhood with a subscription to Time magazine. He was popular from an early age, being elected Class Favorite and Class VP his senior year at Beaumont (Texas) High School. In 1950, he graduated from the University of Texas and married his high school sweetheart, Wilma Eddins. Together, they had three children, Cary, Kim (now deceased), and Greg.

Art was hired out of college by Conoco, where he worked for 17 years as a petroleum landman. Afterward, he started his own highly successful oil and gas exploration and production company, Smith Petroleum, serving as its president for over 20 years.

In his 40s and 50s, Art became an avid fan of embracing adventure, from sailing to scuba diving to skiing. In 1982, he married Gloria, and in 1988 they moved to a 35-acre property outside Steamboat Springs, Colorado, their favorite ski resort. Art loved to ski and take his grandchildren up on the slopes. He was a passionate traveler, venturing to all corners of the States and six continents. He relished horseback riding and camping with good friends.

In Steamboat, Art dove headfirst into community life. Under his leadership, the Strings Music Festival thrived, establishing stability and financial success. In addition, Art served on the board of Steamboat's hospital for seven years and was involved in other charitable causes.

Art was well known as a superb host of fundraising events and social gatherings. He and Gloria loved to entertain friends at home, whether an annual turkey fry, holiday parties, or quiet dinners. He was both a great storyteller and a great conversationalist, whose keen intellect and love of books always challenged friends with new insights.

Art lived a vital life well into his 94th year, filled with laughter, warmth, and endless devotion to Gloria. He is survived by Gloria, his two sons, three step-children, 12 grandchildren (including his beloved Leslie, who contributed greatly to his and Gloria's lives), and 12 great-grandchildren.

A public funeral service will be held at the Steamboat Springs United Methodist Church , 736 Oak St., at 11 AM Wednesday, October 25. A reception will follow. Donations in lieu of flowers are requested for Strings Music Festival.  ( www.stringsmusicfestival.com ).

Livestream Link: https://boxcast.tv/view/arthur-smith-memorial-service---11am-saturday-oct-25th-2023-rfsok0blmtenaiy64wy3