SMITH, BRUCE, 81:

Bruce Smith died in Traverse City, Michigan on May 14, 2024. He passed away peacefully in hospice care from complications of a stroke.

Born on May 21, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, Bruce Smith was the son of James B. Smith (deceased) and Jane Ericsson Smith (deceased). Survived by sister Susan Smith Adams (Richard), cousins Sally McDonald (Jim, deceased), and Stephen Edward Sauter (Lanie).

Throughout his illustrious career, Bruce made significant contributions to the publishing, public relations, and literary arts community. He served as CEO of Matchpoint Communications (PR/Marketing Consultants), a role that allowed him to work with esteemed clients such as The Chicago International Film Festival, Pope John Paul II, Tennessee Williams, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Maxim's de Paris, Royal Opera House Restoration Project (London), Robert Carrier in America, and Armour Foodservice and Kraft Foodservice.

As a writer, Bruce was a poet, essayist, playwright, and memoirist. His most famous published work as an author was the best-selling Costly Performances/Tennessee Williams: The Last Stage, a memoir of his tumultuous time as both a close friend and PR consultant to America’s greatest playwright. There is continued interest in making a feature film of this important work. Additionally, Bruce wrote several plays, including Papal Gore: Reign Shadow, that received readings in New York, London, and Chicago.

In his later years, Bruce dedicated himself to developing The Aldebaran Performing Arts Initiative, a testament to his generous spirit and love for the arts. This philanthropic effort aimed to create an international theater festival and performing arts complex for the Traverse City area.

Bruce, whose father was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, was passionate about all things Scottish. He had a wonderful laugh and a wicked sense of humor which greatly entertained friends and family, but he will be forever remembered for his encyclopedic knowledge of and deep passion for literature, theater, film, and the arts. His abiding love for the classics and the written word was reflected in his own writing career. Bruce possessed a great Oscar Wilde-like wit, and a letter or an email from him was always impeccably written and filled with keen insights, profound observations, and stunning turns of phrase.

Bruce's vibrant personality was reflected in his love for animals, his passion for tennis, and his zest for travel. A Chicago resident for most of his life, he always knew the finest restaurants, best museums, and most exciting activities, from Chicago to San Francisco, from New York to Key West, or in his favorite European cities: London, Edinburgh, Paris, and Rome.

He is mourned by all who knew him, especially his long-time friend, playwright Franco D’Alessandro of New York. He is survived by his adoring and devoted sister and closest friend, Susan Smith Adams, of Traverse City, Michigan.

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