The vintage boating community lost an icon this week with the passing of Christopher J. Smith. Chris was the grandson of Christopher Columbus Smith, the founder of Chris-Craft, and to many, he was known as Mr. Chris-Craft. Chris not only grew up as a child playing at the Chris-Craft plant, but he was also last member of the Smith family to work at the company, spending his career as an engineer at the Holland, Michigan, branch.
Chris was a long-time member of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, and an active member of the Water Wonderland Chapter. He attended many boat shows, symposiums, and other events across the country, including some of the recent International shows . He was gracious to all he met, and happy to share stories from not only his time at Chris-Craft but his life.
Upon hearing about his passing, many ACBS members are fondly remembering their times spent with Chris…whether on the dock at a show, after hearing him present at a lecture, taking a boat ride with him, or having the honor of having Chris present their award. Each an everyone says he was a true gentleman, and will be greatly missed.
Our sincere condolences go out to the entire Smith family at the passing of their father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle.
In maritime tradition, we sound Eight Bells for Chris Smith, signalling that his watch is over.
Obituary: Christopher J. Smith
Photo Caption for Top: “On the Cover: Chris Smith’s Odeyssea plows through the rough waters of Skaneateles Lake during the 2014 ACBS International Show. The 1962 Chris-Craft SeaSkiff 27′ is a testament to how seaworthy and dry a lapstrake hull with huge flare can be. Photo by Kent O. Smith.”
Images from our members:
Chris Smith and Bob Moss
My wife Christi and I are proud owners of a completely-restored award-winning 1941 Chris-Craft Deluxe Barrel-back Runabout. She received three top awards in the Lake Tahoe Concours de Elegance and was awarded best restoration in her class in an International Antique and Classic Boat Show held in Lake Tahoe.
We are truly saddened to learn of Chris’ passing, though we know he enjoy a remarkable and wonderful life filled with so many great adventures with his family, friends and wood boat enthusiasts all over the world.
His friendship with Dick and Marti Sligh during the developmental days of Grand-Craft Mahogany Runabouts were unforgettable. His humble spirit, excellent guidance and expertise came to the fore many times as new ideas came forward and he enthusiastically grasped and facilitated advancements in the
woodboat-building industry. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. His family has our heartfelt sympathy during this time.
The photo posted above is of Chris Smith (on left and me) taken in “The General” at the Hessel Michigan Boat show about ten years ago.
He told me many stories of him working for the family in the Chris Craft plant. He described the Sportsman Utility Model as one of his family’s favorite boat models, so we shared many stories!
Bob Moss
“The General”
Met Chris several times at various shows.
Took him on my 21 Ft 64 Chris Craft Ranger!
On Lake Geneva Wis.
He was always the hit guest of the shows!
RIP Chis Smith