Typewriter artist dies at 85

A Roseburg man known around the world for his intricately typewritten works of art died Monday at Rose Haven Nursing Center.

At 85, Paul Smith had beaten the odds of a life with spastic cerebral palsy, a disability that impeded his speech and mobility.

Not only did he live a long life, but he left behind a collection of artwork that has captivated countless fans.

Smith got his first typewriter as a young boy growing up on the East Coast. He learned to punch away at the keys, using each stroke to meticulously form portraits, landscapes, still lifes — artworks that many would mistake for fine pencil drawings.

“He would always say that it was a gift,” said Jim Mitch, a close friend who met Smith while working at Rose Haven years ago.

Born in Philadelphia in September 1921, Smith moved to the West Coast after his parents died to live near remaining family.

He ended up in Roseburg, living at Rose Haven, more than 40 years ago.

Roseburg resident Jackie Sutton met Smith while visiting a friend at the nursing home 21 years ago, and the two became fast friends. Some of her fondest memories include playing cribbage with Smith, an “imp” who loved corny jokes, and eating M&M’s.

“I miss him fiercely and we all do, but he was ready,” Sutton said.

Over the years, word of Smith’s unique ability spread. From Franklin D. Roosevelt to Mother Teresa, Smith’s realistic portraits have not gone unnoticed — he received letters of thanks from the president and the Catholic nun after sending them copies.

Mitch said the fascination lies in the detail.

“I think it’s the amount he cares about getting it right,” he said.

Over the years, Mitch has worked to preserve the art, collecting it and scanning it onto a computer. He’s continuously amazed at the detail that remains when he digitally enlarges each piece.

So you know ... A display of Paul Smith’s artwork can be viewed at Rose Haven Nursing Center, 740 N.W. Hill Ave., Roseburg, along with his typewriter. Smith’s artwork can also be seen at www.paulsmithfoundation.org.

Friends say Smith was uncomfortable being held up as a model for others with disabilities. He never wanted anyone to feel inadequate because they couldn’t do what he did.

“He wanted people to use their gift,” Sutton said.

Cataracts eventually hindered Smith’s abilities, and in 2004, he left his typewriter on its designated table at Rose Haven for good.

Always one to keep active, Smith continued to challenge opponents at chess and cribbage.

Smith, a devout Catholic, will be remembered for more than his talent, Mitch said. The man appreciated life and the people around him, something not lost on his friends.

“He was just very thoughtful,” Mitch said.

Plans for a memorial service are pending.



• You can reach reporter Chelsea Duncan at 957-4246 or by e-mail at cduncan@newsreview.info.