CdA Dentist Dick Smart, 69, RIP

Popular dentist, inventor and avid outdoorsman Dick Smart died Thursday night at home in Coeur d’Alene, surrounded by family. He was 69. “He was incredibly wise about many things,” said Charlie Nipp, of Coeur d’Alene, who has been a friend of Smart’s since they were kids. “He was gentle in his approach to life, gentle in his approach to people. He was incredibly respectful of the nature that he loved so much.” The Press reported last month that Smart had an inoperable brain tumor, which he has been fighting for more than a year. Nipp and his wife, Susan, were close friends with Smart’s family. The families traveled the world together, spent time in nature hiking, camping and cross-country skiing. “He loved this Earth and world and the people in it,” said Susan Nipp. “He loved all of his patients”/ David Cole , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here . (Courtesy photo: Dr. Smart photographed during a ride on the east side of Pipestone Pass in Montana)

• Archives: Rail biking was his ticket to see the world /Scott Maben, SR

Question: Did you have the pleasure of knowing dentist/inventor/traveler Dick Smart?