Capt. Robert (Bob) Smith passed away peacefully on August 13th, basking in the love of friends who never left his side. Bob is survived by his younger brother, Richard, and his wife, Mary, as well as his nephew, Robert Hindle and his wife Resa. Bob is predeceased by his wife Trudy and youngest brother Jim. Trudy and Bob were married 64 years. She was his best friend, partner and sweetheart. 

Bob was born November 14, 1936 and raised in South County by his parents, Leroy and Helen. When once asked if he knew what a Swamp Yankee was, his reply was "you're talking to one." Classically known as independent, hard working people who don't suffer fools and speak their minds, Bob was part of a dwindling breed of watermen whose souls are inter-twined with the sea. As inseparable as he was from Trudy, so too was the strength of his bond to the salt ponds and the open ocean that he so deeply loved. Trudy shared in that love as well. 

Bob's fishing career started at age 12, selling shucked oysters he scraped off rocks in the Salt Pond for $1.50 per quart, steamers for $7 per bushel. He attended South Kingstown High-school, where he first met Trudy. They began dating soon after graduation, and quickly became inseparable on both land and water. The house they built on a hill in Charlestown has a distant view of their beloved Block Island Sound, paid for with quahogs captured by the two of them, working long days side by side; 7 days a week for 22 weeks. 

Besides an assortment of skiffs Bob used for pond fishing, he owned and captained two larger fishing vessels. The first a 50 foot wooden dragger named the David D, purchased at the young age of 20, and operated for 25 years. A steady and dependable work boat with classic lines, small by today's standards. Bob captured his share of cod, whiting, hake and flounder. Bob was determined to make it succeed, no matter how hard he had to work. When he was through with dragging, Bob bought a bare 36 foot Ralph Stanley hull and outfitted it for lobster fishing, naming it the Trudy S after his wife, and fished it for the next three decades. 

Bob was a years-long member of the Board of Directors of the Point Judith Fisherman's Cooperative. Bob spent more than 20 years sitting on various fishery management councils, serving as a calm, experienced voice for reason and fairness. 

Bob served for years as President of the RI Marine Fisheries Council, was appointed (and re-appointed several times) to the New England Fisheries Management Council, was a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and served on the ASMFC's Lobster Advisory Panel. He served as president of the RI Lobstermen's Association for 5 years. In return for the selfless giving of his knowledge and experience he was named a National Fisherman Highliner in 1996, one of the highest achievements in the commercial fishing field, and an honor not lost on Bob. "That's the one that counts" he would recount when visitors would ask about the Highliner plaque hung next to the fireplace. 

Bob was a hard working, unique individual, who leaves behind many admirers and close friends who will miss him dearly. Comfort comes from the knowledge that Capt. Robert Smith and his love and 1st mate through life, Trudy, and their dog Sparkles are reunited, cruising the blue, calm waters of the Salt Pond together. 

A memorial service to honor Bob's life will be held on Monday, August 24 at 11 am at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to The Point Judith Fisherman's Scholarship Fund, Inc., PO Box 386, Narragansett, RI.