Nazaire Joseph “Joel” Smith, 92, of Scottsdale, Ariz., passed away surrounded by his family, on Oct. 25, 2024.
Joel was born in Lewistown, Mont., to Nazaire Joseph Smith, Sr., a Boulder native, and Anna Laura McVeda, on May 29, 1932. He grew up in Portland, Ore. and attended St. Ignatius Catholic grade school and Central Catholic High School, before attending Seattle University. He transferred to University of Washington to pursue a degree in business administration, where he met Carol Allen, his wife of 67 years.
Upon graduation he joined the Army during the Korean War Conflict, and was stationed in France. After the war, he came back to Seattle and married Carol on June 1, 1957. He was accepted into the International Bank Training program for First National City Bank of New York (now Citibank) in New York City. Joel was assigned to the bank’s branch in Hong Kong, from which he and Carol moved to Manila, Philippines.
In 1962, they moved back to the United States where Joel worked at Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago. He was vice president of the International Department and traveled frequently to Asia. In 1971, Joel opened Continental Bank International in New York City. After three years he and Carol moved back to the Chicago area where Joel resumed his position.
In 1981, Joel became Senior Vice President and Chief Credit officer at Valley National Bank in Phoenix, Ariz.. He opened Wren Financial Corporation, giving him many more years in the banking industry, including establishing China Trust Bank in New York City in the 1990s.
During his career, he was a director of the Bankers’ Association for Foreign Trade (BAFT), and served as chairman of the Edge Act Committee. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale, trustee at the Phoenix Art Museum, a trustee at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, and a member of Theta Delta Chi fraternity.
Joel was a devoted Catholic and compassionate family man. He loved to ski, and he taught all five of his children how to ski. He loved deep conversations, a house full of family and friends, big hugs, and a fine Manhattan. His two mottos in life were to “always stay positive,” and “ski in control.”
He is survived by his wife, Carol, and five children — Karen Sumner (Neal); Alison Mead (Joe); Douglas Smith (Kristy); Valerie Smith; and Audrey Cox (Bill). He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and his beloved “baby sister,” Carol Simerville (James).
A Catholic Mass will be held on Nov. 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in Scottsdale. Burial will be private. Flowers are welcome, or donations may be made in memory of N. Joel Smith to The Phoenix Art Museum, The Desert Botanical Garden, or Hospice of the Valley.
