Robert Walden Smith, 66, helped in the development of North Philadelphia

IF IT HADN'T been for a band of pragmatic dreamers, the neglected and crumbling North Philadelphia community would have remained neglected and crumbling.

Among those dreamers - and they were people who knew how to back up their dreams with practical solutions to the problems they faced - was Robert Walden Smith, a man who served the city, especially those in greatest need of help, for more than 25 years.

In various ways, Bob Smith helped in the development of North Philadelphia, particularly the Cecil B. Moore Avenue corridor, advised businesses on how to improve their performance, get through bureaucratic red tape, and generally improve their bottom line.

Bob Smith, a decorated Army paratrooper wounded in Vietnam, an avid sportsman and jogger, died Nov. 15. He was 66.

"Throughout his career, he received numerous awards for his stellar work and dedication to making Philadelphia a better place to work and live in," his family said.

As a vice president of development of the Beech Corp., Bob was actively involved in residential, retail and commercial projects in North Philadelphia.

Beech was founded in 1990 by the late Floyd W. Alston, former president of the Philadelphia Board of Education and civic leader.

Since its founding, Beech, which had its headquarters on Cecil B. Moore Avenue, built thousands of homes and oversaw more than $1 billion in development in North Philadelphia.

Bob first became associated with Beech when he worked as a business consultant and real-estate specialist for the Philadelphia Commercial Development Corp.

He served on Beech's board of directors for 10 years and later was offered the position of vice president of development, "enabling him to continue his work in the area of community development, focusing on neighborhoods in North Philadelphia," his family said.

"He found great reward in seeing major projects come to fruition. Even as his health began to fail, he remained committed to the important work of this organization."

Bob Smith was born in Philadelphia to Alvis Edward Smith and the former Mattie Boyer. He graduated from the former Thomas Edison High School in 1965.

He served in the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions in Vietnam and won a Bronze Star with a V for valor, and a Purple Heart medal for wounds.

After his discharge, he enrolled in Temple University and received a bachelor's degree in history. He returned to Temple in 1981 and enrolled in a real-estate certification program. He subsequently received his professional license as a sales agent.

He was employed by the city in the retail-business support unit of the Commerce Department, helping business people improve their profits through advice and direction.

"Bob was an intelligent, modest man who appreciated a quiet life," his family said. "Throughout different phases of his life, he enjoyed participating in various sports, including, tennis, cycling, basketball and golf.

"His favorite leisure time activity was jogging along the river drives of Philadelphia."

He participated in running events, including the Gary Papa Run 4 Your Life, which supports cancer research.

"Bob loved, and was loved and respected by all of his family members and his friends for his kindness, thoughtfulness and wisdom, coupled with a subtle sense of humor," his family said.

He is survived by two daughters, Rayna Smith Garbett and Jennifer Smith Bouknight; a sister, Suzanne Fleming; two brothers, Eugene and Monroe Smith; three grandchildren, and his fiance Marva Carter.

Services: Were Friday.