Malcolm Stuart Smith

Malcolm Stuart Smith passed away on July 18, 2026, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Malcolm is survived by his wife, Jill Smith; his daughters, Carrie Glassburn and Marion Batayte; his son-in-law, Dustin Batayte; his grandchildren, Nathan Batayte and Erin Glassburn; his sister, Jean O’Neill; and his stepdaughter, Cori Jo Watson.

Born on June 11, 1940, in Birmingham, England, to Andrew and Lily (Sutton) Smith, Malcolm lived a life filled with music and adventure.

He began playing piano at age five before quickly taking up the trumpet. As a child, he became the youngest member of the Cadbury Chocolate Factory Bournville Silver Band and later performed alongside his father in dance bands throughout Birmingham. After graduating from Central Grammar School at age sixteen, he briefly worked as an illustrator while continuing to perform with several well-known bands in and around London.

In 1958, his love of travel was ignited when he accepted a position aboard the Cunard R.M.S. Carinthia, sailing to Canada and New York City. That experience opened the door to another adventure when he moved to Bermuda in 1962 to perform at the Bermudiana Hotel alongside a steady stream of renowned musicians. During his years in Bermuda, he also performed at the Hamilton Princess Hotel and expanded his musical talents by learning the trombone, vibraphone, flute, and drums.

Ever since his voyage aboard the Carinthia, Malcolm dreamed of making America his home. In 1968, that dream became a reality when he accepted a position with a performing group and traveled across the country before settling in Colorado with his wife, Rita, in 1969.

Malcolm quickly became a well-known figure in Colorado’s music community. He taught trumpet, flute, trombone, and drums to hundreds of students while entertaining audiences across the state through his own businesses, including The Malcolm Smith Bandwagon, Applause Music Productions, and Malcolm Smith Music. As a bandleader, he directed hundreds of bands and helped create music for thousands of weddings, celebrations, and special events throughout Colorado from the 1970s through the early 2000s. He also shared his love of music with younger generations as both a teacher and a performer with Young Audiences, bringing music into local elementary schools. Malcolm and Rita were married for more than thirty years and raised two daughters, Carrie and Marion.

Later, while working as the advertising manager for the Douglas County News-Press in Castle Rock, Malcolm met Jill Watson. They were married in Sedona, Arizona in 1999 and shared more than 25 wonderful years together. They loved traveling across America in their motorhome, photographing lighthouses, and, of course, Malcolm entertaining people with his music wherever they went. In 2011, they moved to Pennsylvania for Jill’s job but soon realized Colorado would always be home, returning four years later. Malcolm spent the final nine years of his life with Jill in their log home in the foothills west of Denver, surrounded by the many pets and abundant wildlife he dearly loved.

Although Alzheimer’s took a lot from him, and from those who loved him, it never diminished his kindness, gracious spirit, or loving heart.

Malcolm was a gifted lifelong musician, artist, performer, teacher, comic, adventurer, animal lover, and photographer. Whether he was teaching a student, mentoring a young musician, or encouraging his daughters and grandchildren, he had a remarkable ability to connect with people. He modeled curiosity, compassion, and positivity and inspired and encouraged others to follow their dreams and to find joy and humor in every day.

Malcolm was preceded in death by Rita, his parents, and his brother, Clive.