Classic Seattle DJ, voice actor, weightlifter, papa...
This just in:
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we, the children of Robert O. Smith--original Bench Bozo, "Masked Avocado", Dr. Zingrr, Walter Wart the Freaky Frog, lifting legend and so much more--announce his untimely passing at the age of 67 from pancreatic and liver cancer. Unlike Ronnie James Dio, he was NOT--to the best of our knowledge--eaten by a dragon, but surely there was some strange "disturbance in the force" or cosmic kryptonite that finally brought down our very own superhero of a father.
His wishes were simple--no public memorial, no digital gold-plated turbo-casket with fine cordovan leather interior and motion-activated whirling Mercedes-Benz hood ornament. He requested cremation and a celebration of life among his closest friends.
If you would honor him, keep on doing what you do--bench with the best of your ability and passion, striving ever toward bigger and better lifts, or create art and sound, inspired by his memory. We will keep that memory alive and continue to update Bench Bozo and All Hail Thorndike Pickledish, sharing images and his original drawings from a lifetime dedicated to lifting and creativity. Our thanks to all who knew, loved, and shared that dedication with him. We will love and miss him always.
-Justine Wintersmith and Zach Monroe
Those who made my youth exalt with extra meaning are dropping like flies.
Posted by: Ryder | June 01, 2010 at 11:52 PM
Farewell, Rubber Doe.
Posted by: Myrtle Mopup | June 02, 2010 at 01:07 AM
Pancreatic and Liver Cancer is a tough battle to fight.
I salute the Masked Avocado for all the joy and mirth he brought into this world.
We sure could use more of it. A lot more of it.
Posted by: Puget Sound | June 02, 2010 at 05:43 AM
He was younger than I thought. I'm sorry to hear it.
Posted by: joanie | June 02, 2010 at 07:29 AM
:( So many memories of Robert O at KOL... he hand made a card for Joe to give me back when we were dating. He married Justine's mother just a week or so after we got married (July 1970) and we put a big sign on his car when she was born: CONGRATULATIONS FATHER AND MOTHER MANISCHEWITZ!
Robert O will live on in the memories of all who heard him and were entertained by his many voices and characters.
Posted by: MariLyn Sabo | June 02, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Blessed with a versatile and vibrant vocal instrument and a crackling, irreverent wit, he was one of the best of that genre of talents which we rarely hear anymore -- a genuine "air personality," not just an automotonish time and temperature guy.
Truly a man of a thousand voices, who could segue from one to another with seamless speed.
Even in one-on-one conversations, he would sometimes slide into some other voice, and you'd find yourself talking with one of his myriad characters instead of "Rubber Doe."
Robert O. and I had neighboring apartments on Alki when we were kolleagues at KOL in the 1960s. There were some memorable parties during that halcyon period.
In addition to KJR, KOL and KTAC, some may remember that Robert O. did the all-nighter at KVI for a time in the mid 1970s. Suffice to say, he had little regard for the format, and his shows in the overnight hours could be rollicking affairs. In fact, he would sometimes do an entire newscast in one of his character voices. Imagine Harold Hardhat doing headlines, for example. It happened.
Rest in peace, old friend.
Posted by: Bill Taylor | June 02, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Shocking news. He was my all-time favorite. KJR, KOL, KTAC, KVI, Dr. Zingrr on Channel 13. Thanks, Robert O. Go to robertosmith.com to see more of his amazing talents from powerlifting to animation.
Posted by: Erictheeditor | June 02, 2010 at 01:42 PM
Robert O and Lan Roberts on one station! (KOL) compare that to say, Dori Monson and Don O'Neill. Some of us were fortunate to have heard radio when it still attracted extremely creative and smart people, both as performer and listeners.
Posted by: Leg-up | June 02, 2010 at 02:04 PM
Radio has gone the way of "if it's greed it fits our need." And the stumbling, fumbling of Bonneville is a great example. I am so sick of the monoliths of megamoney that control broadcasting today. My dream would be to have a station filled with former radio greats who were let go because they were too old, or too expensive. What fun we could have! Our station: Lan Archer/ Bill Taylor doing news in the AM. Chris Wedes and Jack Morton co-hosts. In Midday, Esther Druxman and Randy McMillan; news: Steve Montgomery and Dick Cross; PM Drive: Dean Smith and Jim Dai; news:Don Riggs and Dave Stone; All of these are retired but have plenty of gas left in their tank. Let's hope and pray we win the powerball!
Posted by: Bill Wippel | June 02, 2010 at 04:14 PM
Was Don Riggs also "Uncle Don Riggs" in Portland for awhile???
Posted by: sparky | June 02, 2010 at 04:32 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbZpArimyxY
Posted by: Ricerocketricky | June 02, 2010 at 06:51 PM
Robert O. paid a visit to KIRO-TV that I happened to witness. He walked up to the giant picture of J. P. Patches hanging on the wall of Broadcast House, leaned down to the open mouth and yelled: "I'll take a Moby-Jack to go!"
Posted by: The Glenn Beck Comedy Tour 2009 | June 03, 2010 at 02:06 PM
I am stunned. Robert O was my favorite of all the radio personalities when I was a kid in the 1960s. I actually met him several times over the years. He was a sweetheart, one heck of a great guy, and funny in a good sort of way. I have two Indonesian painted wooden frogs. The big one is Walter and the small one is Robert. All the wild and crazy DJs and AM radio personalities are slowly but surely leaving us. Goodbye Robert O. You were an original.
Posted by: Gizacat | June 03, 2010 at 04:56 PM
Bob-O was a mentor to me. He and Doc Harris gave me my first breaks in the VO biz back when they were on CFMI. With his help I made quite a career out of it. We worked together on many many occasions and he was a good dude. Crazy in all the right ways.
I'm sad to say I didn't even realize he was ill. I want to let the world know that he was instrumental in giving me the confidence to stick to my career. He knew that, but I'm disappointed that I didn't get the chance to say it again to him in person before he passed.
My best regards,
IAN JAMES CORLETT
www.ianjamescorlett.com
Posted by: IanJames007 | June 04, 2010 at 02:04 PM
Sad news indeed. Along with Lan, Robt.O was one of my favorite DJ's. When I was taking a communications class in college, he was kind enough to let me interview him between records. When he was on KJR there was an Coke ad that said "Sandy Posey drinks Coke after Coke after Coke", his response was "Yeah, but you ought to see her teeth!" Coke demanded he be fired and thus ended up at KOL. I've always missed him and will now miss him more. Hope he didn't share the same politics as his son.
Posted by: Bill | June 04, 2010 at 03:42 PM
@Bill: Our thanks to you for your remembrances of Robert O., however the cheap parting shot at my brother's beliefs is unnecessary and disrespectful in a posting meant to honor our father's memory. Making perhaps the most difficult time in our lives even moreso by airing your political beliefs to kick my brother when he's so far down is inappropriate, and if he WERE still around, dad himself would redress the issue-- but since he's not, I will. Dirty pool will NOT be tolerated, so play nice or don't play at all. Moderator: Flag and/or remove previous comment for inappropriate content.
Sincerely,
-Zach's sister and Robert O's proud daughter, Justine Wintersmith
Posted by: Justine Wintersmith | June 04, 2010 at 10:50 PM
@Justine--I'm sorry for your loss and I was a big fan of your father. I have no idea what his politics were. My comment on your brother's politics was hardly a diatribe on my part and I said nothing of my own politics. I'm sorry for you loss and I'm sorry for mentioning anything regarding your brother.
Posted by: Bill | June 07, 2010 at 02:46 PM
Oh No!
R&D are still on the air WTF?
Don's talking about his Rainier climb AGAIN! WTF?
Posted by: Just an Observer | June 07, 2010 at 03:20 PM
We at GGRP in Vancouver are truly saddened to learn that Robert lost his battle against such a terrible disease. He was a unique talent who worked with us for many years. Several of the spots he voiced won some impressive awards. We will miss him greatly. Robert, this Christmas we'll enjoy a Daniel's chocolate in your honour.
Posted by: shelley hudson | June 08, 2010 at 02:32 PM
Wondering where fans of his cartoon style paintings can view or buys prints?
Posted by: Josh | June 11, 2010 at 11:26 AM
Would Like Carrie and Ed Boyd to contact Josh Thurston and anybody
who wants to cont to a Robert O. Smith Toast Off this summer.
All are welcome except the City of Vancouver or the Vancouver Police lol, and someone named Signy that lived in Rob's building in apartment #4 - (appartmant number might not be right.) All ALL relatives, friends, business associates, fans, stalkers, and yes even ex girl friends that might prove to be interesting Hope ex Sue Zimmerman comes by too. I will try my best to make this happen but I am alone in doing this.
PS don't forget to say Rob was a great 3D painter can't get those hooter paintings out of my mind I wish I had one
Please contact: josh.thurston1@gmail.com
Posted by: Josh | June 16, 2010 at 09:00 AM
I am saddend to learn of the loss of Robert O.. I met with him a few times, through our interest and love of cartooning. He was working at KOL at the time. What a great voice talent! I don't think he knew how good he was. Radio theater is a wonderful medium, and it was Robert O's playland. I still miss his show.
I am proud to have known him.
My condolences to his family, and his many fans.
Posted by: Mark Reeves | June 19, 2010 at 09:36 PM
So sad to see a Big lifter and all around great guy pass. Thanks Robert.
Posted by: Personal Trainer Vancouver | January 17, 2011 at 03:38 PM
Thanks for the much needed entertainment of my formitive years........Peace and love......or two beers!
Posted by: New Orleans for now | August 09, 2012 at 09:27 PM