R. G. was a quiet giant in both aeronautical engineering and as an artist. He served the aerospace industry for 55 years. 46 years with Douglas Aircraft Company and another nine years with an office in McDonnell Douglas as an outside contractor.

Beginning his career with Northrop Aircraft, a subsidiary of Douglas, in 1936, R.G. worked with some of the most acclaimed engineers in aviation. He worked with Jack Northrop and Ed Heineman in the design of such outstanding aircraft as the SBD Dauntless, the AD Skyraider, A3D Skywarrior, and A4D Skyhawk for the U. S. Navy, the A-20 Havoc, and A-26 Invader for the Army Air Force. He also worked on the Douglas jet and rocket research aircraft D-558-1 Skystreak and D-558-2 Skyrocket.

But it was his art that made him one of a kind.

Few excel in two such diverse fields of endeavor and have the success and influence exhibited by R. G. Smith..

R. G.'s art, created in addition to his work as an engineer, emerged early at Northrop. Through study and hard work, his art became ever more important to his company and his company's customers. R. G.'s knowledge and love of the flying machine were evident in his art, as were his carefully acquired and honed abilities as a fine artist.

He was a chronicler of Naval Aviation and was honored by the Navy as an Honorary Naval Aviator. He participated in and documented the combat experiences of the Navy's sea and air forces, including a tour with riverine forces in Vietnam. Toward the end of his life, he stated that, if he could have rewritten the course of his life, he would have changed only one thing. He would have liked to serve his country on the front lines.

He had done that, and much more.

R. G.'s example and body of work is a legacy which will serve as an inspiration for all who follow.