Amherst, MA – Graham Worthington Smith, 64, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at home with his loving family by his side.

  Graham was born June 14, 1950 in Eugene, Oregon, to the late Robert Worthington and Velma Louise (Sise) Smith.

  He had a lifelong interest in learning and discussion across many topics.  He was a voracious reader of history, science, social and economic policy and well-written fiction.  He also developed wonderful woodworking skills over his lifetime, creating beautiful Shaker style furniture in hand tooled cherry, oak and black walnut.  Graham had a rigorous academic career, including a B.S. in Biology from University of Oregon, a M.S in Wildlife Biology from Washington State University, and a Ph.D. in Fisheries and Wildlife from Utah State University.  His research was wide-ranging, including work with population ecology, quantitative methods, migratory birds, and mammalian biology. 

  Dr. Smith had a long and well-respected federal career, first with the Bureau of Land Management in Idaho, then nearly 15 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Division of Migratory Bird Management), and finally ten years with the U.S. Geological Survey (Patuxent Wildlife Research Center) in Maryland.  At his retirement in 2012 and thereafter, so many of his friends and colleagues have expressed their gratitude and admiration for his intelligence and keen insights into science and logical problem solving, balanced by his generosity, patience, and humor.   His family is deeply and forever blessed by his gentleness, thoughtfulness, and remarkable dignity and integrity.

  Graham is survived by his loving wife, Mary J. Ratnaswamy, daughter, Elizabeth W. Smith, stepdaughter, Selena R. Burke, his four sisters, Ellen (and husband Russ) Wilcoxson, Gretchen (and husband Randy) Prakken, Adrienne Smith, and Anita McKey, many nieces and nephews, extended family and close friends.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Alice P. Wywialowski, and brother-in-law, Jeff McKey.

 Those interested in donations in his memory are encouraged to consider Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org), Ducks Unlimited (www.ducks.org) or The Wildlife Society (www.wildlife.org) and please note the donation is in honor of Graham Worthington Smith.  A memorial celebration may be planned at a future time. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.