RIP Bob Smith

[systemoverblow'd]

Didn't see this but I'll delete if it is a repeat.

http://www.powdermag.com/stories/bob-smith-dies/

If you think your goggles fog too much now, you should have been a skier before 1965. That’s when an orthodontist named Dr. Bob Smith created the first double-pane goggle with a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam, which dramatically reduced foggy goggles on the slopes.

The innovative founder of Smith Optics, Smith died on Wednesday, April 18, in Palm Desert, California. His wife, Jean, of 48 years was at his bedside. The 78 year old had a pacemaker implanted a few days earlier to combat a slow heartbeat. Complications ensued and he did not survive, according to his son, Drew Smith.

In an exclusive interview that appeared in the December 1981 issue of POWDER, Dr. Bob, as friends referred to him, explained how he conceived the idea of a double-lens goggle while working in dentistry for the U.S. Army in Germany and making weekend ski trips to Kitzbuhel, Austria. “In skiing powder, snow would get inside the goggle through the vent holes, and the humidity would go way up, and, with a single lens, the temperature would be transmitted right through the lens and, of course, the thing got foggy right now. So the double lens stops that cold air transmission through the lens so that the inner lens gets a chance to warm up.”

Once he got a patent for open-cell foam used for venting, he employed the help of dental students back home in Northern California to glue the pieces together. He produced the goggles by hand with his wife and friends around the kitchen table, using dental tools to build a double-lens goggle with breathable foam that he’d trade for free lift tickets at Alta and Jackson Hole. Soon thereafter, he sold them to ski shops for $20. In 1967, Smith appeared in Dick Barrymore’s The Last of The Ski Bums, showcasing his new goggle technology while skiing powder at Jackson Hole.

“Absolutely, his invention had an impact on our sport,” said president of Smith Optics Ned Post, who worked with Dr. Bob years later at Scott Sports. “Our mission at Smith today is to make the great days better through quality eyewear. In that sense, Bob was the beginning of that philosophy. He was passionate to improve his vision on the hill, and he had a great passion for skiing powder.”

“He needed to see on the hill, so he made it happen,” said Drew Smith, who noted that upcoming memorials in Ketchum are currently being planned. “His drive and passion for skiing is second to none. He had a lot of ‘Smith’ kind of days.”

[userA]

send this to dbs

[saltyjoe]

condolences to Drew and the rest of the family from everyone in Ketchum
hang in there,

Joe Marx

[D(C)]

That's some sweet 1967 pow ripping in the video. RIP

[Kied]

Genuine bummer. RIP.

[mtnjam]

My condolences to the entire Smith family, not just immediate family, but everyone that works for Smith Optics.

Celebrate Bob's life in his passing as a great innovator and person. Still, hands down, my favorite goggles, sunglasses and eyeglasses. No other company even compares in my mind.

[freshie247]

Condolences, Bob was the man,it's great to pay homage to the proto dentist/skier.

[~mikey b]

that is an awesome video!

thanks Dr. Bob

[Arno]

sad news for this smith fanboi
love the vid!

[bendtheski]

Bummer, but it seems like Dr Bob had a great life.

Between goggles, sunglasses and helmets, I like to think I get a little dose of Dr Bob's medicine every day!

First thing I ever won in a comp was a Smith hat, and you know I'm never letting that thing go!

[The Duke of Hurl]

The man could ski, no denying it. RIP

[Slaag Master]

rip and thank!!!

[haydukelives]

Thank god for the dentists!

[Aldo]

Dr. Bob Smith DDS rest in peace. That video is a stone groove..

[The Duke of Hurl]

Wow, think about it, ski gear innovator, pow junkie, dentist. Dr. Bob is the MSA (Maggot Spirit Animal).

[Ski to Be]

Looks like a life well lived , RIP

[the Dr.]

Well done Doctor...

Inspiring. Taking six months off each year to ski powder.

Towards the end of the video, he's charging untracked snow on the Hobacks at Jackson at the end of the day... he and others like him must have had some epic times before the hoards learned to ski powder (particularly now with the help of fat skis and rocker... )

Life well lived indeed.

[abe froman]

Definetly a life well lived. Definetly had priorities in order. Work for six mos and then ski 6mos! Thanks for making sports look clearer. RIP. A true innovator.

[njfreeskier]

Sad news. Vibes to his family and friends.

RIP Dr. Smith

Thank you for everything! Best helmets, goggles, and sunglasses, period!

[Caucasian Asian]

"Goggle testing snow"

[The Duke of Hurl]

Why is the end of a long, fulfilled life sad news? Please don't cry for me if I live a life anything close to what this guy was able to accomplish. Dr. Bob was a maggot before there ever were maggots. Go jump off some shit with Shane, Bob. I hope you're still around when I get there.

[Staedtler]

RIP Bob
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