Remembering Boo Smith '70

April 25, 1952 - October 13, 2023

Gilman Art History Teacher, Dean of Students, Multi-Championship Varsity Coach (1997-2023)

Obituary for Mr. Francis "Boo" Whitaker Smith

Written by the family of Mr. Smith and originally published by Mitchell-Wiedefeld Funeral Home

We celebrate Francis "Boo" Whitaker Smith, who passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, a testament to his strong will to live and determination to leave the world better than he found it. Born on April 25, 1952, Boo was known for his unparalleled athleticism, commitment to mentorship, passion for the arts, and love for his family and nature. We love him endlessly for his humility, loyalty, and playful sense of humor.

Boo wanted to be remembered for his athletic career both as a coach and athlete. He entered the Gilman school in 1956, graduating as a 13-year man in 1970, where he received the William Cabell Bruce Athletic Prize, Tyler Campbell Lacrosse Trophy, and CB Alexander Wresting Cup. Upon graduation he headed to the University of Virginia (UVA), where he participated in wrestling and lacrosse. His proudest accomplishment is UVA's first National Lacrosse Championship in 1972 and his recognition as an All-American and recipient of the Schmeisser and Outstanding College Defenseman Awards. In 2005, he was further celebrated with a nomination to the U.S. Lacrosse State of Virginia Hall of Fame.

Boo finished his time at UVA with a Master of Arts in Education in 1975. He started his teaching career at the John Carroll School as a History Teacher, later serving as the Dean of Students. He was also a successful wrestling and lacrosse coach, taking on the position of Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach from 1978-1996, where he led ten teams to championships. He has been widely recognized for his coaching, winning the 1980 MSA Coach of the Year, the 1983 Harford County Lax Man of the Year, and induction into the John Carroll School Athletic Hall of Fame for Coaching lacrosse and wrestling in 2006.

After 22 years at John Carroll, Boo returned to his alma mater Gilman as a teacher and coach in 1997. He taught Art History, served as Dean of Students, and coached wrestling, lacrosse, and squash. As Head Squash Coach, he won ten consecutive MIAA championships, not losing a single match (record of 130 wins to 0 losses). He shared his artistic talents with the whole Gilman community, photographing varsity sports and posting photographs on the community bulletin board and online for all students. He stayed connected to Gilman till the day he died as a mainstay in the community for teachers, students, and alumni.

Boo married the love of his life, Susan Senft, in 1973 after she followed him to UVA, courageously joining only the second year of women at the school. In 1981, they celebrated their first daughter, Helen Culver Smith, followed by Margaret Whitaker Smith in 1983. Boo was an incredible husband and father, leading endless family adventures from roller-skating the halls of John Carroll to canoeing and tubing the Susquehanna. He loved taking care of the property at his home in Stevenson, creating beautiful landscapes of trees and flowers. He is further survived by grandchildren Eliza, Wrenn, Alice, Daisy, and a little boy due in December. They will miss riding on "GrandBoo's" tractor, his jokes, and exploring nature with him.

Boo was always proud of his deep connections to Baltimore and U.S. history. He is a descendant of U.S. Senator and Major General Samuel Smith, who is known for leading an American victory at the Battle of Baltimore in 1814 during the War of 1812. Boo is a lifetime member of the Society of the War of 1812 in Maryland and shared this rich history with his children and grandchildren.

Boo is predeceased by his loving parents, Tom and Betty Smith, his sister Virginia Wrenn Smith, and survived by his older sister Margaret Smith Green of Stevenson. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Gilman School.