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KEN SMITH !563-!988 Ken Smith, founding member and first president of the Mar- ine Historical Society of Det- roit, Inc., died on Feb. 9, 1968, after a long illness. His death brought to a close a remarkable exemple of a life passionately devoted to water, sailing and boats, past end présent. The son of a well- kmom end skilled yachtsman, Ken and his twin brother, Keith were in, on end around water ‘rom their earliest recol- lection. They learned to sail on their fa- ther's trim sloop and from him they learned to love boats and water. As lads they worked for several summers for Bob-Lo, both on the boats and on the island, and Ken often said in later ycars that he never had more fun than during this per- iod of his life. When World War II focussed attention on the vital role the Great Lakes play in our economy and our industrial might as well as on the ease with which this might be sabo- taged, Ken put his skill and knowledge of the Detroit wat- erfront at the disposal of the Coast Gu Reserve, making night patrols in the River. It was only natural that Ken should have been among the first to recognize the out- standing ship photograpny of Capt. William E. Taylor, re- tired from the Light House Ser- vice. Ken's own ability as a photographer was con- siderable and he had amassed an amazing collection of photos but Capt. Taylor had some that Ken lacked. They became great friends and spent hours looking at pho- tos and talking about boats. Thus it was that Ken was in that lit- tle group who decided to torm a club where they could pursue their hobby with like minded people, Ken helped draw up the constitution and the fledgling society recognized his leadership by chosing him as its first pres- ident. In the following years Ken held every office except secre- tary, filling each post with distinction. In addition, he end Barbara traveled widely to ride boats wherever they might be for . + And Ken passed along to his own children, Tom end Sue, the heritage he had received from his father. Under his guiding hand they became enthusiastic end skillful sailors and adept at recognizing freighters. Above all, kindness and con- sideration were inherent in Ken and any privileged to know him were privileged indeed. ] w