Bob Smith, the inventor of the modern double-lens ski goggle and founder of Smith Optics, died at his home in La Quinta, CA April 18. He was 78. Smith, which today supplies sunglasses, goggles and helmets for snow sports, motorsports and tactical markets, remains the top ski goggle brand in the United States.
An orthodontist and pilot, Smith moved to Alta, Utah in the 1960s to pursue his love of skiing, where he became frustrated with how then standard ski goggles fogged up. He developed a double lens ski goggle in the late 1960s and began making the goggles under the Smith brand in 1969 and sold his company in 1991.
Smith is survived by his wife Jean, their two sons, Andrew and Colby (Diane); his four grandchildren, Carter, Finn McKenzie and Sawyer. He is preceded in death by his deceased son Carter.
