Martin R. Smith died August 1 in his Thomaston home surrounded by friends and family, his collections, curiosities, books and, as always, his art. He was 75.

Martin is survived by his mother, Marguerite Smith of Chattanooga, TN; three brothers: Shanon Smith of Heflin, AL, Shawn Smith of Dixmont, Lance Smith of Presque Isle and St. Augustine, FL; three sisters: Patricia Rooks of Flintstone, GA, Elise Greef of White Salmon, WA, and Jill Smith of Olympia, WA; many nieces and nephews, several grand nieces and nephews and dozens of Aroostook County cousins; his dear friend, Michael Mayo of Thomaston; an adopted son, Casey Smith of Asheville, NC, and a newborn grandson, Casey. He is predeceased by his father, Ralph Smith.

Born in Presque Isle, Martin took flight from Mars Hill and found his way to the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore, graduating in 1970 with a degree in fine arts. Although he devoted himself to helping troubled youth in his social worker day job (Maine Social Worker of the Year, 1996) his artwork remained his touchstone till death. A portrait artist of startling skill, Martin preferred his oils of Maine landscape.

Art was Martin’s gift, but perhaps his joy was telling, with a broad grin and naughty, knowing eye, a good story in which a young relative was often quoted, “My crazy Uncle Martin…” Unique to the end, his last words were an unprintable joke told to a niece, Hillary Mullins of Brooklyn, NY. His greatest creation may have been his colorful life. Martin’s style and flair will be fondly remembered.

At Martin’s request, his ashes will be interned in the Thomaston Village Cemetery. Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services has care of the arrangements. To share condolences with Martin's family please visit his Book of Memories at hallfuneralhomes.com