Robert S. Smith, age 51, of Merrimac, MA, passed away on May 28, 2017.  He was the beloved husband and best friend of Kris A. (Topham) Smith and a devoted, loving father to Dylan and Kelley Smith of Merrimac.  His black lab, Jillie, adored him and will miss him dearly along with Poppy and K.C.

Bob was born on February 9, 1966 in Lawrence and grew up in Methuen, attending Methuen public schools through high school.  He met his wife, Kris, at Methuen High School, and they married in St. Monica’s Church in 1993.  Bob worked his whole life to build his own construction business, Smith Services, and was proud that his son joined him in this business endeavor.  His proudest achievement was in building the Merrimac home in which he raised his family.  He and Kris worked side by side with the help and support of family and friends to make the house a home for Dylan and Kelley and their entourage of pets.

Bob was a youth sports enthusiast, coaching his own children as well as many other youngsters from the Merrimac and Pentucket areas in lacrosse, baseball and football.  He enjoyed mentoring the kids and sharing his passion for good sportsmanship and fun.  He served as President of the Pentucket Youth Lacrosse Program and helped to build a successful and thriving program there.  He was also on the board of directors of the Mass Bay Girls Lacrosse League, serving as Head of Sportsmanship and Compliance.

Bob was an avid sportsman, participating in a variety of activities.  He particularly enjoyed being on or near the water with his family, whether boating, jet skiing or just floating along in a tube, relaxing.  He was a big fan of NASCAR and John Wayne movies.

Everyone knew Bob as a kind, happy-go-lucky guy who would go out of his way to help in case of any need, and his laugh will be remembered fondly by many.  We know Bob will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

In addition to his dear immediate family, Bob is also survived by his mother Elizabeth Donahue of Methuen, and sisters Robin Gordon and her husband David Gordon of Methuen and Linda Smith and her wife Kathy of Coos Bay, Oregon and; mother and father-in-law Patricia and Walter Topham of Methuen, sister-in-law Leslie Topham of San Francisco, CA and brother-in-law David Topham and his wife Sarah of Pittsford, NY.  He had four nephews, Timothy and Matthew Gordon of Methuen and Nathaniel and Jeremiah Topham of Pittsford, NY.  In addition, Bob left behind three step-siblings, Leo Donahue, Russell Donahue and Eva (Donahue) Casey.

A wake will be held at Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home in Methuen on Tuesday, June 6 from 4 to 7 pm.  A funeral service will be held at St. Monica’s Parish, Methuen on Wednesday, June 7 at 11 am.  A scholarship is being set up in memory of Bob to benefit Pentucket lacrosse youth.  The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Bob Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund at Haverhill Bank or online at https://www.facebook.com/bobsmithlacrossescholarship.

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