In Loving Memory of Dr. Thomas Eugene Smith

(August 23, 1931 – July 7, 2021)

A beloved husband, father, mentor, and visionary, Dr. Thomas Eugene Smith, affectionately known as "The Old Raccoon", left us on July 7, 2021, holding the hands of his family in Cabot, Arkansas, as his journey on earth came to a close

A Life of Learning and Leadership

Thomas was born in Madison, Wisconsin, into a family rooted in Midwestern values, his parents being Thomas Edward Smith (Brodhead) and LuNeil (Lloyd) Sanders (Madison). He married his high school sweetheart, Charlotte Mae Dugan, in early 1955, together building a life rich in love and deep connection.

An ever-curious mind, he earned a master’s in psychology (1959), a second master’s in philosophy (1960), and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology (1965), setting the foundation for a career devoted to personal growth and experiential learning.

Guiding with Heart and Wilderness

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War era (1951–1954), Thomas channeled his dedication into meaningful work, as a psychology professor at Central Michigan University and as a compassionate guide for special education families near Chicago. His true calling, however, blossomed in the wilderness, leading transformative growth journeys and pioneering an approach known as “Wilderness Therapy,” becoming a trusted Psychologist/Wilderness Guide.

From his first book, Wilderness Beyond... Wilderness Within (1980), to Peace Circles: Stories About Peacebuilders (2013), Thomas authored a remarkable breadth of works on experiential education, challenge learning, leadership, and solitude, tools for nurturing resilience, introspection, and connection in others. His seminars on “Raccoon Circles” took him across the globe, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, and Scotland, where he inspired countless learners and leaders alike.

Home in Harmony with Nature

Beyond his professional legacy, Thomas was deeply proud of the earth-bermed, solar-heated home he and Charlotte built near Cazenovia, Wisconsin, a testament to his love for the environment, craftsmanship, and intentional living

A Family Man Above All

Thomas often said that his greatest accomplishments were not books or workshops, but his family. He leaves behind five children, Judd, Brian, Mike, Kathryn, and Jennifer, as well as a circle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren whose lives he cherished. He was preceded in death by beloved loved ones, including his wife Charlotte (2008), daughter Marcella Ann Flynn (2003), and sister Mary Wohlust (2013).

A Celebration of His Life

On October 3rd, friends and family gathered at Camp Sunrise in Bartlett, Illinois, to honor Thomas’s spirit through stories, laughter, and shared remembrance. a fitting tribute to a life lived in harmony with nature, learning, and love.

Preserving His Spirit Through Memories

Thomas Eugene Smith taught us that peace is cultivated, through understanding ourselves, connecting deeply with others, and honoring the land that sustains us. On this memorial page, let us continue that work: share your remembrances, your stories of Thomas guiding you, teaching you, or simply being himself. Let us keep his spirit alive through the peace he championed.