Amherst, Bruce Edward Smith of Amherst passed on unexpectedly of unknown causes on June 24th. Son of the late Charlotte Kellogg and Frank Smith, Bruce graduated Amherst High School in 1975, where he played for the ARHS basketball team that became Regional Champions that year. He went on to play college basketball at Bucknell University, spent a semester in Florence, Italy, and received a degree in Political Science. Bruce engaged in local politics with zeal. Though he often found himself swimming upstream, he held true to his convictions. He may be best known for his self-produced project, “The Bruce Show,” which aired weekly on ACTV, and where he espoused his ideas with vigor, inviting the viewer to join in on more lighthearted activities.

Bruce had many interests and abilities. He was resourceful; a clever mechanic, careful gardener, avid reader and for many years self-employed as a house painter. Other hobbies included playing the guitar and harmonica, drawing, figure and landscape painting, carpentry, and furniture making. A member of the Greenfield Rod and Gun Club for many years, Bruce enjoyed shooting at the range and took up screen printing to make custom t-shirts for the membership. He lived by his own convictions and a profound sense of integrity. Bruce was a loving father and a true friend with a big heart and a playful sense of humor.

Bruce continued to play basketball throughout his life through the Greenfield rec. league among others. He developed a reputation for his quick wit and sharp elbows. The morning of Bruce’s passing, he played pick-up basketball at Mill River as he often did on Sunday mornings. He was also there to gather signatures to appear on the November ballot for Town Council, of which he already had sufficient numbers. Bruce was an engaged member of the community, always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends. He loved his country and appreciated the simple things in life. He will be deeply missed.

He leaves behind his daughter, Melissa Dickson nee Chapman-Smith and her husband Onias Timothy Dickson of Washington DC, his brother Andy Smith of Amherst, and beloved friend and companion, Anne Delman of Amherst. He also leaves the Smith family of Highland, MD, Geri, Samantha and Meverette; his former wife, Dael Chapman of Amherst; members of the Stratford and Kellogg families, and many good friends for whom he cared greatly.

A memorial will be held in the afternoon of Saturday July 7th. Please send a short email to BruceSmithMemorialService@gmail.com or leave a message with your phone number at (413) 461-0967 to be notified of the exact time and location of the service.