E.W.P. Smith, consulting engineer of the Lincoln Electric Company, passed away Saturday, September 19, 1942. Ed Smith had hundreds upon hundreds of friends in and out of the welding industry all over the country. He had spoken to thousands of others in his welding talks and was known up and down the land as one who really knew welding, welded design and how to explain it. His personal friends knew Ed to be a simple, unassuming man, with a ready smile and a personal warmth which endeared him wherever he went.

To the writer, the passing of Ed Smith means a great deal. Not only is it sad to have a good friend pass away, but Ed had a special significance in the history of INDUSTRY and WELDING. It was he who furnished the original inspiration which caused this writer to start the magazine back in 1930. He was the editor for the first months of its life and was its guiding genius until it got on its feet.

The spirit of service was dominant  in Ed's entire life. As he helped this magazine so did he help thousands of young men to get their start in this industry. To all of us his death has robbed us of a great friend, a fine man and a true American.

Irving B. Hexter