[ Condensed from obituary provided by Harold M. Whipps Sr.:

Kenneth L. Smith, age 76, of Blacklick, Ohio (a suburb of Columbus),
passed away Thursday, January 06, 2005, at his residence, surrounded
by his family.  He was a veteran of the Korean War and worked as
a machinist for Battelle Memorial Institute, a founder of the American
Band Organ Association, a member of Carousel Assn. of America and the
Central Ohio "O" Scale Engineers.  He also had a lifelong interest in
movies and projectors, and was often called "Mr. Fix-it".

Several MMDigest articles mention Ken Smith --

Bob Conant: Ken Smith has not only built several huge fair organs
but has also built large steam locomotives.  One was featured in
Model Railroader in 1972.

Tim Trager: Mr. Smith built two fabulous organs; an 89-key G4 scale
Waldkirch-style Gavioli, and a 63-key Ruth.  Both organs are well
balanced and voiced.  They are a pleasure to listen to.  Mr. Smith
is a great resource.

Marc Elbasani:  Good old Ken, he knows everything about book music it
seems.  In fact, he has gotten hold of some great B.A.B. book music and
transcribed it for his 89-keyless Gavioli as well as his 63-key Ruth.
Needless to say, it sounds exquisite on both of his machines.

Bruce Pier: Recordings of Ken Smith's organs are available from
Dr. Bill Black's Carousel Music.  There are three 1-hour-long tapes
of each one.

-- Compiled by Robbie Rhodes