Robert Freeman Smith

Robert Freeman Smith (June 16, 1931 – September 21, 2020) was an American politician from Oregon. A member of the Republican Party, he served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1983 to 1995 and again from 1997 to 1999.

Early life and education Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and grew up in Burns, Oregon. His father, Benjamin F. Smith, was a doctor.

Career

Smith served in the state House from 1961 to 1973, serving as Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives for the 1969 and 1971 sessions. He was in the Oregon State Senate from 1973 to 1981 and served as minority leader from 1978 to 1982. Between 1965 and 1969, Smith was the president of the Oregon Public Land Commission. Upon his return, he was elected chairman of the United States House Committee on Agriculture, but only served one term before retiring for good. The wedding was attended by F. F. Montgomery, the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, among others. By January 1971, Smith and his wife had two sons and a daughter.

Death Smith died on September 21, 2020, in Medford, Oregon at the age of 89.