LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: CAPE GIRARDEAU TO LOSE DIPLOMAT, LEADER, FRIEND

To the Editor:

As I attended a farewell reception this past Wednesday, I experienced many different types of emotions. The emotions varied from those of joy and admiration to those of sadness and loss.

The reception that I am referring to was the farewell reception for Wayne Smith. The reception was organized by the corporation that he had recently announced he will be leaving.

I find it so appropriate that this company has so much respect for a departing employee that they take the time and expense to put together this prestigious reception. Wayne Smith has served them well. He took a brand new concept, cellular phones, and assembled a team that made cellular phones as common as VCRs and microwaves.

I first met Wayne in the Spring of 1991 when he transferred to Cape Girardeau from St. Louis. Although his roots do trace back to the Delta, Mo., area, Wayne has not lived and worked in the area since graduating college at SEMO University in 1971. Wayne immediately impressed me as a tremendous businessman that commands respect due to his demeanor, class and genuine love for people. But more importantly, Wayne impressed me due to the fact that he had a sense of community responsibility. This philosophy proved to be fruitful as Wayne and his company had an impact on this community faster than any other person or corporation I have ever seen. He immediately took a lead role in a number of civic organizations that included the United Way and the Cape Chamber of Commerce.

I feel extremely lucky to have been one of the many friends that Wayne Smith has. He is a man that everyone wants to be around. He is a man that stops at nothing to do what's best for his family, his friends and his community!

In short, Wayne Smith is a winner! And the City of Cape will have a difficult time filling the void he will leave upon his departure!

JAY B. KNUDTSON

Cape Girardeau