David Walter Smith “Bob Harris”, 65, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020, due to complications from Covid-19.
David was born on November 23, 1955, to Walter and Adeline Delores (Engen) Smith in Sioux City, IA. He grew up in Moorhead, MN, where he graduated from Moorhead High School in 1974. He attended and graduated from Technical College in Thief River Falls, MN, with an associate degree in Broadcasting. He worked for various broadcasters for a collective 40 years, most notably for KFGO for 30 years under his broadcasting personality name, Bob Harris.
David was a humble, thoughtful, kind, and caring guy. His memory for the details and ability to connect with people was inherent. Bob’s voice rippled out from the airwaves touching and impacting so many lives. He reached people where they were with his interviews, fun facts, and love of music that made the world of his listeners large and memorable. His gift was in the small things, a contagious laugh, a thoughtful card, or a quick call or text about a random thing. He showed up. There was no hierarchy in Bob’s friendship or loyalty, everyone mattered. His family mattered, his listeners mattered, his coworkers mattered, musicians mattered, authors mattered, charity mattered, even his sister’s cat, Putter, mattered. All deserved equal time, concern, and attention. But what mattered most was his best friend, his son, Christopher.
Chris was the center of David’s world. With autism and blindness, Chris was special because he was so loved by his dad. When they laughed together everyone smiled and when they embraced warmth filled the room. Like Butch and Sundance, they looked for adventure and found it at the carrousel, in long rides in the car, at the park, and eating as much pizza as two guys could handle. They took selfies to remember each day as a celebration of love and friendship.
David kept in touch with ALL his family: siblings, aunt and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, second cousins, third cousins, great-aunts, and managed to keep historic family trivia alive with important and interesting fun facts. He showed up, traveling to weddings, funerals, and reunions. Like the lottery some of us were lucky to win a random text or phone call making sure life was going in the right direction.
We take for granted how much a life can impact others, and it becomes abundantly clear when that life is cut short. David made a difference to so many. He loved and cared so deeply for others. Even though he is no longer with us we will remember him when we hear a familiar song, read a good book or donate to a favorite charity. He will be the voice in our hearts nudging us forward with encouragement, applause and curiosity. He will be missed, and the world is a better place because he was in it.
David was survived by his son, Christopher Smith; siblings, Kathy (Dan) Hocevar, Jeff (Diane) Smith, Jeanie (Rob Wilson) Smith-Murphy; aunts, Janice Critchley and Becky (Lyle) Olson; nieces and nephews, Sam, Hannah, Micah, Lindsey, Andrew, Joe, and Pat; great-niece, Melora; and many other loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Delores.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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