Obituary of Gordon Nick Smith

Gordon Nick Smith, 70, of Morgantown passed away Friday, March 15, 2013 following a brief illness He was born August 29, 1942 in Horatio, AK, a son of the late Clifford and Evelyn Marie Martin Smith. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Jo Baker Myers Smith; three children, Martin Baron Smith of Powell, OH, Michele Renee Myers of Point Marion, PA and Melissa Rae France of Pickerington, OH; six grandchildren, Wilson, McKenna and Jackson Smith, Derek and Chelsea Hamm and Austin France; three siblings, Archie Smith and his wife Jill of New Baltimore, MI, Rachel Smith of Memphis, TN and Gene Smith of New Baltimore, MI; and a large extended family that included several nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. Nick's career as an accomplished cinematographer and film and television producer began during his training in the US Air Force, serving with the 1352nd film group. While on assignment at the De Nang AFB, he patcipated with aerial filming of the activities of the USAF in Vietnam. His deployments were with F100 and F105 aircraft and air rescue operations from C-123's to remote outposts. During filming his aircraft came under hostile fire. The last 20 days in Vietnam were spent at Bien Hoa Air Base where he documented USAF activity involving A1E Skyraiders airstrikes. He participated in 38 combat support missions as an aerial motion picture cameraman. He was recommended for the Air Medal due to the quality of his filming and his outstanding airmanship during extremely hazardous conditions. After his discharge, his life's career of cinematography began in Denver, CO. He traveled throughout the US and around the world producing and directing films. One of his fondest memories while filming a documentry involving John Wayne in 1967 was also being cast as an extra in the film. In 1972 he came to Morgantown to work for West Virginia Public Television and he also began his career with the Moutaineer Sports Network. The friendships he made with Coaches Nehlen, Catlett and Mountaineer players continued. He produced the Children's Miracle Network Telethon for WVU Children's Hospital for 11 years. In 1980 he worked with John Denver for the opening of the new Mountaineer Field. In Addition, he produced the Statewide Flood Relief Telethon in 1986. Ten years before his retirement, he began Nick Smith Productions where he produced documentary films, political campaign ads and worked with the University of Houston sports among other projects. After his retirement, he became a video production consultant and a professor at Douglas Technical School in Monessen, PA, where he taught documentary film making. In his spare time, he loved working crossword puzzles. He was always cutting edge with his equipment and technology, and his grandchildren will remember him for having all the best apps. Above all, he was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, and master to his two canine buddies, Bert and Chico. Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown from 5-8 PM Monday, March 18th, and again on Tuesday, March 19th from 10-11 AM. A service celebrating Nick's life will begin in the funeral home at 11 AM, followed by interment with full military honors in the West Virginia National Cemetery, Pruntytown. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Nick may be made to the West Virginia University Children's Hospital, PO Box 8200, Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506 The family would like to extend special thank yous to Dr. Ron Pellegrino, Dr. Bill Clark and John DeAngelis for their care, their friends at the Boston Beanery for their continued support, and the staff and board members of the Greater Morgantown CVB. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com