By Andy Dahn
BLOOMINGTON – A McLean County official lost more than a co-worker last week, he also lost a good friend.
McLean County Board member Paul Segobiano worked closely with Jay Smithson, who passed away last Friday. Smithson served as the Village President of Ellsworth, as well as the President of the McLean County Mayors Association. Segobiano said he only has fond memories of Smithson.
“I really appreciated his friendship, but also his openness with people and his friendliness,” Segobiano said. “He would do things and tell you not to mention his name. He wanted to help but stay in the background. That was the kind of individual he was.”
Segobiano worked with Smithson at the Great Plains Life Foundation. He said Smithson was a key player in the “Stay 4 Project”, which helps at risk youth stay in high school and graduate through counseling and grants.
“This is the kind of program that Jay understood, he knew these kids needed help,” said Segobiano. “He stepped forward and was there every year for us. Jay had that ability to step forward and help where there was need.”
Segobiano said while Smithson was known for helping the community, he was also an incredible friend.
“When you talk about friendship, you’d have to know just how true and deep it was,” Segobiano said. “Jay was that type of an individual. True to the core.”
Andy Dahn can be reached at andy.dahn@cumulus.com.
