Peter W Smith

Peter W. Smith, 81, of Lake Forest, Ill,, passed away on May 14, 2017. For more than 40 years, Peter directed private equity firms in corporate acquisitions and venture investments. As Managing Member of DigaComm, LLC, from 1997 to 2014, he led or co-led 15 early-stage venture investments. From 1975 to 1997, he was President of Peter W. Smith & Company, Inc., a firm that led 12 buyout transactions, including Donnelly Marketing, Inc. and Hunter-Melnor, Inc. Previously, Peter was a senior officer of Field Enterprises, Inc., a diversified communication company held by the Marshall Field family. He worked with the Atlantic Council of the United states for 12 years, as board vice chair, treasure and finance chairman. Other policy organizations in which Peter was active included the Heritage Foundation, Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Brookings Institution. He served as national chairman of the College Young Republicans and in later years was involved in fundraising for the Republican National Committee, GOPAC, and candidate and state party organizations. He is survived by his wife Janet, three children, Linda (Ransom), William and David Smith, and three grandchildren Tommy, Sara, and Ryan Ransom.