Walter Smethurst

WATERBURY - Walter A. Smethurst, 89, passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at Waterbury Hospital. He was the husband of Marcia R. (Reichelt) Smethurst.

Mr. Smethurst was born November 2, 1922, in Waterbury, the son of the late Walter A. Sr. and Helen (Dunham) Smethurst. He was a life-long Waterbury resident by the Mad River on Frost Road and was employed as a machine and tool designer by the Ingraham Clock Company of Bristol, Waterbury Eyelet and Stamping, Vickers Corp., and Winchester Electronics in the greater Waterbury area. After leaving Winchester, he continued in the industry by creating and operating his own business, the W.A.S. Manufacturing Company, out of his home, employing two machinists for 27 years until his retirement.

Besides his wife of 51 years, Mr. Smethurst is survived by his sister Mary Lloyd of Lunenburg, MA, as well as three nieces and a nephew, eight great-nieces and nephews and eleven great-great-nieces and nephews.

A visionary, he abandoned the conventional education system choosing to educate himself through experience and self-study. He believed that there was no problem that could not be solved. The home he built in 1947 by the Mad River on Frost Road was outfitted with radiant heating and cork flooring. He was recognized as a local ' pioneer of solar power,' installing a solar array for hot water and heating in 1978, later adding solar voltaic systems for electricity.

Arrangements - A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 12, at 12:30 p.m. at West Cemetery in Bristol. There are no calling hours. The Alderson Funeral Home of Waterbury, 9 Holmes Ave. is assisting with arrangements. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510.