WEST BROOKFIELD -- Rev. Harold D. Smock, 98, of Pine Grove Rd. passed away Jan. 31, 2007 in Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol.

He leaves his son Fred Smock of West Brookfield, his daughter Elizabeth Sylvester and her husband, Frederick, of Orange, granddaughters Sarah Garcia, Angela Alex and Kari Haley; a grandson John Sylvester; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. His wife of 55 years, Florence (Knowlton) Smock died in 1994.

He was born in Eatontown, NJ, the only child of Albert and Catherine (Covert) Smock and graduated from Red Bank, NJ High School and then from Temple University School of Theology in 1939.

Rev. Smock served several Methodist churches in New Jersey until 1951 when he accepted a call to the Methodist Church in South Hadley and then was called to Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church in Athol in 1961 where he served until his retirement in 1973. He and Florence then moved to West Brookfield where he continued to preach part-time serving churches in New Braintree, Spencer, Warren and West Warren. He was also Chaplin of his camping group, Bay Bath Chapter 114 of NAFCA for many years until 2001 when he was 92.

He enjoyed traveling throughout the states, especially to the Northeast Kingdom of VT., camping, gardening, and carpentry. While still in high school, he designed his parents new home, and in later years designed and helped build his retirement home. A former member of the Rotary Clubs of Athol and the Brookfield's, he held many offices including president and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Harold was also active in the West Brookfield Council on Aging and in 1997 was presented the Roger Buzzell Memorial award for his many hours of service. He attended the George Whitefield United Methodist Church in West Brookfield from 1973 and served on several committees there. He will always be remembered for his quiet gentle manner, his patience, and his wonderful sense of humor.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. in the George Whitefield United Methodist Church in West Brookfield.

Calling hours will be held, Friday, Feb.2, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., West Brookfield. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the George Whitefield United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 576, West Brookfield, MA 01585.