Thomas Smith, former Glenview president, dies in California

Described as a quiet, steady, devoted public servant, former Glenview Village Board President Thomas E. Smith died in March in Palm Springs, California.

Smith served two terms as president of the Glenview board, from May 1977 until he administered the oath of office to successor James Smirles on April 9, 1985.

Smith and his wife, Samantha, retired to California at the end of a long legal career.

"He was a very steady sort of person who was devoted to public service," said Glenview History Center Co-President Beverly Dawson.

The village noted that Smith, also a village trustee, served as president of Helping Hands of Glenview and sat on the Fire and Police Commission and on the Cable Commission.

Smith was an engineering officer in the U.S. Navy and received his juris doctor's degree in 1956 from George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. There, he was on the board of editors of the University Law Review, the village stated.

Smith was a lawyer in Chicago from 1956-2008.

He is survived by his wife, sons Brian and David, a daughter, Debbie, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dawson recalled that as a couple, the Smiths seemed well-suited despite differences in personality.

"He was a very amiable sort of guy. His wife was very energetic ... She knew everyone and was into all sorts of activities," Dawson said.

The historian called Thomas Smith a quiet yet effective public servant.

"He just did his job. No fuss, no muss, no bother," Dawson said.