Smyth, Raymond P., age 92, of Lakeville, passed away peacefully at his home on March 23, 2025, surrounded by family. Ray was a follower of Jesus, family man, leader, and an educator. He spent nearly his entire career in the Edina School System: as teacher, principal, Director of Education and ultimately as Superintendent. However, at his core, he was a teacher: spending many years both in the classroom as well as coaching others on how to become better teachers as the Director of Education. As superintendent, he made the unusual choice to teach 9th grade government in order to try out a few new ideas. He spent numerous years teaching Sunday School and creating Bible Studies for adults. As high school students many of us got to experience Dad's skill as a Sunday School teacher.

Ray was a leader serving on many boards over the years: Oxboro Church, University of Northwestern, Camp Shamineau, as well as the Crosslake City Council to name a few. He also enjoyed using his musical skills by leading various church choirs for 35 years. If he was without a partner for tennis, he'd take the lead and organize a group to play.

Dad loved spending time with family up at the lake! He loved staying active with sports as well as getting us all involved. He enjoyed tennis, golf, and softball well into his 70's: he not only water skied, he even kept slaloming.

Ray exemplified the love of Christ through his leadership, as a dad, and with those he connected with in his everyday walk. For us kids it was demonstrated each and every day with his love of our mom; he wouldn't leave his bride without a kiss. The example of their life together is perhaps his greatest legacy.

Preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; siblings: Lois, David and Mary.

Survived by his children: Linda (Bruce) Hibbard, Paul (Dolly) Smyth, Brad (Becky) Smyth, Kathy (Vic) Copan, John (Kris) Smyth; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; also by other loving family and friends.

The family is grateful for the loving caregivers and wonderful activities at the Fountains at Hosanna over the last four years.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am Monday, April 14th at South Suburban Church, Apple Valley, with a visitation starting one hour prior to the service. A reception at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Camp Shamineau scholarship fund https://shamineau.org. The ministry of this camp held a special place for Ray. He used his leadership gifting to serve on their board; and all five of his children and many of his grandchildren attended camp there, helping them grow spiritually.