The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

April 28, 2009

House leader transferred to different hospital

Oce Smith in stable condition after suffering aneurysm in March

Mannix Porterfield

Oce Smith, a part of the House of Delegates structure for more than half a century, has been transferred to Ruby Memorial Hospital in stable condition after suffering a dissecting aneurysm that sidelined him in late March.

Smith underwent surgery at Cleveland Clinic but last week the long-serving sergeant-at-arms was moved to the Morgantown hospital.

“I went down there last night,” wife Carol said Tuesday. “And it was the best yet. But he still has a long way to go. He’s still weak and they have hardly gotten him up. He’s had a real intensive time.”

Smith was elected as sergeant-at-arms in 1967 and before that held a number of positions in the House, giving him an association with the Legislature that has exceeded 50 years.

Six years ago, the House moved to name a bridge crossing Buffalo Creek in County Route 21 in Marion County after the Barrackville native. The resolution was co-sponsored by two of his closest friends, Delegates Mike Caputo and Tim Manchin, both D-Marion.

Caputo, in fact, kept the House posted with daily updates on Smith’s condition after he was stricken near the end of the session.

Smith’s health had begun to falter in recent years, forcing him to get about the spacious House chamber with the aid of cane.

Yet, he has maintained a sense of humor that made him a favorite with reporters covering the Legislature, often regaling them with funny anecdotes spanning his career.

“Last night,” his wife said of her hospital visit, “he was well enough to start giving me orders, if that tells you anything.”

Mrs. Smith had no idea how long her husband would remain at the hospital. During the past weekend, he suffered a temporary setback with pneumonia and a urinary infection, along with spiking a high fever, but his condition was improved Monday night, she said.

“He has lots of well wishes and a lot of prayers,” she said.

“I think the prayers are what pulled him through. He really had it rough up there in Cleveland.”

Mrs. Smith applauded the efforts of Caputo and his secretary, and her husband’s secretary, with helping relay updates on his health to fellow lawmakers and others.

Cards may be sent to Oce Smith, c/o Ruby Memorial Hospital, Stadium Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506.

“He has been in bed since the end of March,” his wife said. “This is going to be a hard row for him.”

— E-mail:

mannix@register-herald.com

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