Smith, former Post-Intelligencer biz editor, dies at 75

Don Smith, who was business editor of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer from 1994 to 2005, died last week at the age of 75.

He was president and chair of the board of directors of InvestigateWest at the time of his death.

An InvestigateWest story states, “Even in retirement, Don remained a passionate evangelist for journalism and for investigative reporting that exposes injustice and holds power to account. He applauded the creation of InvestigateWest — founded in 2009 by a handful of former P-I colleagues — and joined the nonprofit organization’s board of directors in 2017, serving as treasurer and later president. Having watched newsrooms across America slash reporters, he was outspoken about the critical moment facing news and democracy.

“‘Our goal is no less …  than to safeguard the truth in an atmosphere both financial and political that increasingly challenges it,’ Don told InvestigateWest supporters at a gathering in 2019 to mark the organization’s 10th anniversary. ‘Our fight really has only just begun.’

“‘Don was an excellent leader during major transitions at InvestigateWest that resulted in an organization stronger than ever,’ said Brant Houston, board president. ‘He was a wonderful person to work with. He had a wry sense of humor and he made decisions thoughtfully and with sensitivity. And he was a great mentor to so many.'”

Read more here. During his time as business editor, the Post-Intelligencer won two national awards for Best Business Section from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers.