Everyone at Cowsmopolitan sends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the friends and family of Maryland Brown Swiss Breeder Dennis Smith, of Woodsboro, MD, who lost his life in a farm accident January 27th.
Dennis Lee Smith, 59, of Woodsboro, MD died on Friday, January 27, 2017 from a tragic farm accident. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Robin W. Smith, his children Stacey White (John), Shanna Lasley (Marcus), Aimee Smith, D. Allen Smith (Lauren Baker), grandchildren, Nichelle Smith, Emma Liller, Zoe Lasley, Braxton Lasley & Austin Vernon, his father Donald P. Smith and stepmother Ruth Smith, and sister Anita Koontz (Tom). He was preceded in death by his mother, Peninah Smith
Dennis was born on July 3, 1957 and lived his entire life on Dublin Hills Farm. Farming was the only way of life he knew, a fact of which he was quite proud. As a young boy he participated in 4-H, FFA, and was a graduate of Walkersville High School, Class of 1975.
Raising and showing cattle was always a part of his life and his children followed suit, showing cattle on a county, state and national level including the World Dairy Expo, where in 2011, “Dublin Hills Treats” was awarded Grand Champion. Dublin Hills Farm is home to some of the most elite bloodlines in the Brown Swiss breed that span internationally.
Dennis was a member of the National Brown Swiss Association, the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, National Dairy Shrine, and the Past Vice President of the Maryland Brown Swiss Association.
Dennis was well known and admired in the farming community and his hard work ethic was second to none. It was his privilege to work alongside his father, Don (Pappy) on the generational family farm for his entire career.
Dennis was a family man at heart who loved his wife dearly. His children and grandchildren were especially important to him and being a “Paw” was a highlight of his life. Of his many loved Australian Shepherds, “Dot” had a special place in his heart. Dennis’ family will always treasure memories of him on his John Deere tractor, working the fields, milking his cows, feeding the calves and living the life he loved.
Visitation Tuesday, January 31, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Hartzler Funeral Home, 404 S. Main Street, Woodsboro, and again on Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m. at the New Midway Fire Hall, 12019 Woodsboro Pike, where services will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Dahl Drenning, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Westminster, officiating. Interment will be in Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Frederick.
The Smith family would like to thank and acknowledge the farming community for their love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may made to the Maryland Brown Swiss Junior’s Scholarship fund, Attn: Emily Heffner, Maryland Brown Swiss Assoc., 10943 Mapleville Road, Hagerstown, MD 21742.
Onlline condolences may be shared with the family at www.hartzlerfuneralhome.com.