Memory of Community Leader Honored

During a recent council meeting, borough officials took a moment to honor Richard Smith Sr., a member of the Red Bank Elks Bates Lodge 220, with a resolution recognizing his lifetime worth of charitable efforts and presence in the community.

Smith joined the Bates Lodge after he and his wife, Pauline, moved to the area in 1962. In the early 1970's, the resolution states, Smith founded an annual children's toy giveaway as a community service project. Four decades later and the program remains, spreading cheer to needy families and children every holiday season.

Smith served two terms as exalted ruler for Bates Lodge and was an elected trustee member for years, eventually being appointed as chairman of the entertainment committee where he served for years until health issues caused him to withdraw. Smith died on March 13 at .

Pauline Smith took a moment during the council meeting to talk about her husband of 65 years, addressing a large audience comprised largely of Smith's family, fellow Elks members and parishioners from Pilgrim Baptist.

"We were like one. What we did, we did together. My husband, you do not know all of the charity work that that man did," she said. "We're grateful for all of you who have come, all of our family and friends. I will never be able to tell you, to tell you how I truly feel. We've always been grateful."