Dave was a photographer of long residency in the Brew House, the South Side artists’ co-op. He was a nice guy. I remember him most for his telescope.

Smith, an active member of the Association of Amateur Astronomers of Pittsburgh, had a sizable scope, perhaps 4 feet long, mounted on wheels. Once, several years ago, I was at the Brew House for an art event and, as he often did, Smith rolled the telescope outside, onto a lot on 21^st Street, so anyone could take a closer look at the night sky.

It was a memorable way to honor his passion for astronomy, and to share that joy.

Smith died Dec. 26, at the age of 66.

The Morgantown, W.V., native and graduate of West Virginia University ran David L. Smith Photography, specializing in portraits, fine art and commercial work. His credits, according to a release sent out by Smith’s friends at the Brew House, included portrait shoots with Terry Bradshaw and Muhammad Ali.

Smith also often documented paintings, sculptures and other works for local artists.

The soft-spoken Smith, an Army veteran, was a Brew House board member.

Friends at the Brew House are remembering Smith this Thu., Jan. 26, with a memorial gathering in the building’s first-floor gallery space. The event runs 6-8 p.m. The Brew House is at 2100 Mary St.

Smith’s friends ask that contributions to his memory be sent to WVU’s Division of Art Deans’s Fund, in memory of David L. Smith. Contributions will be earmarked for photography studies.

Mail contributions to: WVU Foundation, One Waterfront Place, 7^th Floor, PO Box 1640, Morgantown, WV 26507. Note “in memory of David L. Smith” on the memo line.