David M. Smith, 60, leadership consultant

David Matthew Smith, 60, of Mount Airy, a leadership and organization consultant, died of cancer Thursday, June 16, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Smith developed leadership and management programs for clients of Critical Business Solutions in New York, Hong Kong, and London, and for the Teleos Leadership Institute in Elkins Park. He was a principal of David Smith Associates, and taught at Arcadia University and Drexel University.

Dr. Smith began his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia in 1982. He was manager of staffing at the bank when he left in 1990 to join the human resources department at Penn. He later headed the department and was director of professional development at Penn from 1998 to 2000.

For 18 months, he was director of organization and staff development at Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, before becoming a consultant in 2002.

His work took him abroad and led to enduring friendships in the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, said his wife, Wanda Whitted-Smith.

He loved life's challenges, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, hiking through the Himalayas, and running in numerous marathons, she said.

In January, Dr. Smith was diagnosed with a tumor on his spinal cord, called a glioblastoma multiforme. He underwent surgery, which caused paralysis from his waist down.

In an e-mail to friends, he wrote, "From hiking five miles three weeks ago, an independent soul excited for forthcoming trips to the United Kingdom, Australia and Singapore, eager to explore more new destinations, foods, and celebrate turning 60 with Wanda in the Caribbean, I am now nearly fully dependent on others for the most basic of human care. It is an extraordinarily humbling experience. I am touched by the graciousness of those who provide care to others, by their willingness to give and not judge, and by their humanity."

Dr. Smith graduated from Auburn High School in Auburn, Mass., where he was captain of the basketball and track teams, and student council president. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Harvard University, a master's degree in educational media from Temple University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

In addition to his wife of 17 years, Dr. Smith is survived by his parents, Matthew and Adele Smith; daughters, Sage and Chloe; a son, Luke; two brothers; four sisters; a grandson; and his former wife, Christine Master.

Friends may call from 5 p.m., followed by a life celebration at 7, Wednesday, June 22, at Bringhurst Funeral Home, 215 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 23, at White Rock Baptist Church, 5240 Chestnut St. Friends may call from 9. Dr. Smith was an announcement clerk at the church and sang in the men's choir.

Burial will be in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd.

Donations may be made to Team Dave, Box 582, Charlton, Mass. 01507.