Community remembers Othello man

OTHELLO — A well-known Othello man died while performing an egg drop at Hiawatha Elementary School Thursday afternoon.

Robert "Bob" D. Smith, 50, died at Othello Community Hospital from a head injury after falling from more than 20 feet in the air. He was operating an Avista Utility boom truck when the bucket arm broke away from the truck. He and teacher Melissa Martinez were thrown from the bucket.

"It's just an unfortunate event to happen anywhere, but to happen in a school yard with a bunch of kids and to happen to somebody like Bob is a tragic event," Police Chief Steve Dunnagan said.

He said the egg drop science experiment was one of Smith's favorite activities to participate in.

Smith and Dunnagan each served with the Othello Rotary Club together. The chief described him as a pillar in the community.

"He was a very nice individual," he said. "He was a great guy. He really loved this community and worked hard at making it better."

Smith was active on several rotary committees, Club President Ehman Sheldon said.

He served on the Rose Sale Committee, he was Chairman of the Rotary Sandhill Crane Festival Committee and he served on the 4th of July Sun Fair Committee, Sheldon said.

"He was dedicated to the community," he said. "Everybody enjoyed his company. He will be missed in the community and certainly in Rotary."

Smith joined Avista Utilities in 1984 beginning as a groundsman. He became a journeyman lineman in 1988.

"Bob was deeply involved in many community activities and he especially loved those that brought joy and excitement to children," said Scott Morris, Avista president and chief operating officer. "We know the entire Othello community will miss his presence and the contributions he brought to them. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, the community and our employees during this difficult time."

He leaves behind three children from a former marriage.

A memorial fund for Smith's family has been established at the Avista Corp. Credit Union. Gifts can be mailed to Avista Corp. Credit Union, P.O. Box 3727, Spokane, WA 99220-3727.