Lester is in his glory listening to people shout “Lester” while he’s riding in the back of the Observer truck during the 350th parade. Ruth Zimmerman, Ann Kannen and Ben Fuller (driver) are accompanying him. Lester was so proud!
At the Friends of the Library book sale in 2012, Lester uses the bullhorn to open the sale as the crowd begins to descend the steps of the library courtyard to buy books.
The Gift
One humid summer day in 2017, Lester arrived in his red car for a visit. He rummaged around in his back seat and pulled out a linen pillowcase in which he had wrapped a gift for me. I unfolded the fabric and discovered a turtle shell which Lester had found when he, of course, was exploring an old foundation here in town and happened upon it. Knowing we shared a love of turtles and a lot of other things, he wanted me to have the shell. It has occupied a prominent space in my living room ever since.
Meanwhile, the years flew by and my friendship with Lester grew. His gifts kept coming week in and out. But this time they were not tangible ones, they were not shrouded in linen, but they were just as valuable. His stories, perspectives, lessons, insights, and nostalgia have all been cherished gifts for me. Not surprisingly, they have found a place in my heart, just like the man who so generously shared them. It is not easy to say goodbye to such a friend.
Abby Wolcott
Lester was a wealth of knowledge. In the 20 years I worked with him at the paper I learned so much about Suffield. He loved to talk to people and share his stories.
At the Observer, Lester published over 3,500 thoughtful articles, took thousands of photos – even risking his safety to get the perfect shot and was passionate about researching background information on photo captions for our readers.
It was a privilege working with him and who can forget the mischievous smile unique to Lester. He was a lifelong learner and will be sorely missed in Suffield.
Ann Kannen
I have enjoyed many positive experiences as the Chairman of The Suffield Observer, but one stands head and shoulders above the rest.
During the parade celebrating Suffield’s 350th Anniversary I was honored to walk behind our float. Riding on the float, wearing his trademark hat, was Lester Smith. Although many dignitaries and beloved citizens marched, none received more cheers than Lester. Each time someone called his name, Lester would turn to the voice with a big smile, and a wave. The mutual love shown that day is something I will not forget.
Jay Presser
Our longtime friend, Lester Smith, excelled in each of his volunteer commitments because of his extraordinary dedication, boundless intellectual curiosity, generosity and genuine friendliness.
He readily drove Suffield friends to an appointment in New Haven, but also eagerly assisted out-of-towners with genealogical research. And what a marvelous raconteur!
On one of our visits with him in his apartment at Suffield by the River, he held us spellbound with his recollections of how the Hurricane of 1938 impacted him and his family at their summer cottage on the Connecticut shore. We will miss him dearly!
Bob and Kerry White
Lester got involved with Troop 260 when his son Peter joined in 1967. It was a small troop that needed help. He became a member of the troop committee in 1970, when St. Joseph Church was the sponsor, he served for 48 years as Secretary and Treasurer.
In 1973 the Scoutmasters son died of childhood diabetes and his father didn’t continue as Scoutmaster. Lester stepped up as acting Scoutmaster, while trying to recruit a new Scoutmaster. He confided in me years later, that was when he decided that being a Scoutmaster was something that he didn’t want to do. New Scoutmaster, Dick Drake took over later in 1973.
When Peter got to be a First Class Scout, he had found other interests and decided to not stay in scouting but Lester, seeing what a great program scouting was, stayed on to help. Lester helped lead the scouts on over a dozen trips down the Allagash Waterway. Not surprisingly he was the troop photographer, paper drive organizer and he helped with other fundraising projects.
So, let’s look at just one of Lester’s activities with the troop, do you remember this sign?
Lester ran the Boy Scout Paper drive from 1970, until 1989, 19 years for Troops 160, 260 & 66. Lester and the Boy Scouts did this for two reasons, mainly as a fundraiser, but also as a community service project, to keep the papers out of the dump, way before recycling was popular. If you knew Lester, you knew he couldn’t do this without keeping records. Over this time period his records show, $14,200 was raised to support the Troop and 1,550 tons of paper was recycled.
Art Sikes
Lester Smith was the most erudite, grammatically exacting man I have ever met. He was a workhorse at the Observer and took his responsibilities seriously, attending meetings others didn’t want to go to, and reporting on complex issues facing the town with a devotion to detail. He often labored over his reports until late at night wanting them to be correct, complete and well written- and they always were.
He was a lifelong learner and shared his valuable insights with those of us lucky enough to be in his orbit. I am fortunate to have called him a friend.
Johanne Presser
My brother was visiting from Pennsylvania, and I brought him to the Observer office so he could see where I spend time every month.
I introduced him to Lester and their conversation took off. Tattoos, metal detecting – I just stood back and listened.
When we left, both men were satisfied that it was time well spent, with Lester saying goodbye while using my brother’s nickname. “Griff” was saddened to hear of Lester’s passing, as was I.
Renee Wood
Only wonderful memories of the only 24-hour-a-day volunteer who did wonderful research showing his love of Suffield.
Jan Peake
I first met Lester many years ago when he asked if the Friends of the Library could use the barn in back of my house on North Main Steet. Of course, I said yes.
Through the years I enjoyed Lester bringing used books in each month. In later years, Lester and I worked together at the Observer. He knew I had poor eyesight and one day I found a lovely magnifying glass on my desk. He had thought I could use it for small print. His thoughtfulness was so appreciated. He will be missed.
Diana Simmons
Lester Smith was my friend. We were neighbors on Marbern Drive and colleagues at the Suffield Observer. Lester could be cantankerous at times but mellowed with age. The Observer would have been half the size without him on the staff. He had so many articles he wanted to publish in the paper. Many were turned down because so many articles were about construction around town. Turning these submissions down usually resulted in an argument with the staff and the individuals involved in the projects due to all of his unsolicited advice.
Lester was one of a kind. I, for one, will miss him. His passing leaves a big void in the town of Suffield.
Carol Martin
Lester Smith was a tireless advocate for our town in many ways. He voluntarily documented and preserved the history of Suffield with photos, artifacts and oral histories. He highlighted the lives of residents both deceased and living with zest and dedication. He enriched our lives and will be sorely missed. We are deeply grateful for Lester’s many different contributions to our community. He was “One of a Kind”.
Gordon and Anne Stagg
I first met Lester many years ago when I joined Friends of KML. He was an integral part of that group, helping with the book sale and serving as a long-time member of the Friends’ Board. His engineering background often came in to play when something needed to be created, fixed or repaired.
The sign we have used for years on the Green to advertise the book sale was one that Lester built, and while the signage has changed, the structure is all Lester’s. I smile every year when I set those signs up, thinking of him.
Beth Chafetz
Reading and listening to tributes to and memories of Lester since his passing, I am reminded that of his many close friendships, ours might have been the shortest.
We began working side-by-side in April of 2022, with the intent that I would assist him as Curator of the King House Museum, and some day assume this role. Despite our relatively brief time together, Lester changed my life. He altered the course of my career in fostering my commitment to the King House Museum. He also provided me with life lessons, notably the importance of intellectual curiosity, serving one’s community, and making and maintaining friendships, as key components of a happy life as we age.
A long life, lived well and well lived: I’m grateful to be a small part of his legacy and to have called him a dear friend.
Christine Ritok, Curator of King House Museum & Barn
