Richard Leslie Smith

Richard Leslie Smith

1942-2021

Richard “Rich” Leslie Smith, of Belen, was born March 11, 1942, and passed at the age of 80 of Alzheimer’s disease on Dec. 3, 2021.

Surviving family is his wife, Jane Chevalier, of Rio Communities; daughter, Jennifer Ann Smith Guedesse of Wayne, Mich.; sister, Marian Noonan, of Folsom, La.; stepdaughters, Ruby Hall, of Nokomis, Fla., and Kristen Vaughn, of Ypsilanti, Mich.; and grandson Zack Bryan, of Ypsilanti, Mich.

A graduate of Mumford High School in Detroit, Mich., Richard received his engineering degree while serving in the United States Air Force. He retired from Ford in Dearborn, Mich. Most of his work was done as an engine design engineer at Ford Motor Company working in the science and engineering lab creating prototype engines. Some of those engines are on the rode today.

He also enjoyed the years he spent as a professional photographer. Richard was a member of New Life Fellowship Church, Belen Model Railroad Club, Belen Art League, Silver Strings Dulcimer Society, Apple Mountain Old-Timers Jam, Mountain Dulcimer Club of Dayton, Ohio, Ducati Club of North America and many more. He also volunteered with several Christian organizations over the years.

He loved Jesus and read his Bible every day. He loved racing motorcycles. Anything on wheels!

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 29, New Life Fellowship, 1928 Fellowship Way, Belen. A meal will be served at the church following the service. Call Jane for more information 505-859-9124.