Palmer B. Smith, 100

LACONIA — Palmer Barrett Smith passed away on Oct. 16, 2026, at the Taylor Community in Laconia.

He lived a wonderful 100 years filled with adventure, service, time with family and plenty of outdoor time.

Palmer was a World War II veteran in the U.S. Navy and trained as a sonar technician and then served on a wooden mine sweeper testing new sonar equipment. Post war, he attended Yale University, graduating with a master’s degree in electrical engineering in 1950. He was an engineer for Barnes Engineering and worked on components used in space navigation and the Apollo space program.

While attending Yale, Palmer's sister introduced him to a friend, who became the love of his life. Palmer married Dorrie (née Luther) in 1954, and they lived in Darien, Connecticut, for 43 years where his daughters, Tona and Kim, were raised. He commuted daily in his 1931 Ford Model A roadster and spent many years tinkering and restoring it. His daughters’ favorite spot was the rear rumble seat. 

After retirement, they spent many years traveling the country visiting family and friends and exploring the National Parks. In 1997, Palmer and Dorrie moved to Center Harbor.

Palmer first visited Bear Island in 1931, and fell in love with the area. Dorrie and Palmer bought property there in 1957, and built a small cabin. Summers were spent with family and friends swimming, canoeing, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors: a place connecting generations and decades of memories.

Palmer was always involved with the community. He was an active member of both the Darien and Center Harbor Congregational Churches, the Center Harbor Historical Society, and the Bear Island Conservation Association. He also served on the Center Harbor Zoning and Planning review committee. He was very honored to be presented with the Boy Scout’s Silver Beaver Award for his many years of volunteering in Darien.

Palmer is survived by his daughters, Tona Mortensen (Kent) of Oceanside, Oregon, and Kim Sperry (Ed) of Meredith. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Tor Mortensen, Kelsey Mortensen, Justin Sperry (Elibet) and Taylor Sperry (Kathleen); great-grandchildren Clark Sperry and Robinson Sperry; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Dorrie; and sisters Miriam Hook and Nancy Bartoes. 

Palmer was celebrated at his 100th birthday in September, with many family and friends.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to honor Palmer’s memory may make a donation to the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance, P.O. Box 1624, Meredith, NH 03253, or the Lakes Region Conservation Trust

P.O. Box 766, Center Harbor, NH 03226.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.