In Memoriam

Updated 13 August 2024

Home

Andre Moenssens - RIP   January 13, 1930  -  July 28, 2024   Andre A. Moenssens, revered law professor, acclaimed forensic scientist and fingerprint expert, life member of the IAI, member of SWGFAST, prolific author, consultant, and devoted father and grandfather passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024. Andre was a towering figure in the field of fingerprints and forensics, dedicating his life to advancing fingerprint analysis and criminal identification.  For many years his books Fingerprints and the Law (1969) and Fingerprint Techniques (1971) were essential reading for forensic interns preparing to become latent print examiners.   A funeral service will be held on August 13, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. Click here to access Andre's complete online obituary.       Jeff Itami - RIP   April 1940  -  March 2024 Jefferson K. Itami was a legendary man of many hats: International Association for Identification  International Representative ~ Decorated Army Soldier during the Vietnam War ~ Deputy Sheriff Senior/Crime Scene Investigator ~ Adjunct Professor at Salt Lake Community College ~ Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus ~ Japanese American Citizens League Board Member ~ Italian American Civic League Board Member ~ Cowboy Action Shooting Society member "Jack D Ryper" ~ University of Utah Alumni Ambassador ~ Artist & Calligrapher ~ Stage Actor ~ Jeff the Chef ~ World Traveler from South Africa to Norway and around the globe. Jeff passed away peacefully with his loving daughter Suzanne Hug at his side early March 30th, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Linda K Itami, brother Ted (Lona) Itami, sister Yukiko Phelps, step-daughter Zoe Humphrey, six grandchildren; Adrienne (Sven) Fors, Lachlan (Erin) Murphy, Donovan Murphy, Alexander Hug, William Jefferson Hug, as well as beloved nieces, nephews, many cousins, and dear friends who were like family to him. Always thinking ahead, Jeff wrote this letter to family and friends 12 days before he passed: Dear Friends & Family, I hope this letter finds you in good health and good fortune. It is the Year of the Dragon, same as the year I was born in 1940. It is poetic that this year I found out that I have stage 4 kidney cancer, and may not see the next turning of the lunar year. Linda is doing well, happy in her blissful forgetfulness. Always the lovely and sweet bride. With my daughter Suzanne’s, help I’ve been sending flowers as I can no longer make the trek to sunny Arizona myself. It was too hot anyway, but I enjoyed the open road in my Subaru Crosstrek much as I used to enjoy the Autobahn in my younger years. At the beginning of February I took a fall, and but for the grace of God, friends, and family would not have found out if the Groundhog was frightened by his own shadow yet again. Thanks to my neighbor and buddy Ian, noticing I hadn’t responded to lunch requests, he called in the Salt Lake PD who came in and found me prone and disoriented between the bedroom wall and my bed. The whole neighborhood got quite the afternoon show with Ambulance, EMTs, etc as they whisked me up to the U of U hospital for emergency care. The good ‘ole docs were perplexed at first, but after a battery of picks and pain, they found a mass on my right kidney that explained the problems. Unfortunately, it’s an aggressive type and has made itself quite at home among my viscera to the point of being inoperable. They did a biopsy confirming the doctors’ diagnosis and got me hydrated again so I was in my right mind and able to leave the hospital. Suzanne has been spending time in SLC helping arrange my care, coming to doctor appointments, and getting the old homestead in shape. A house becomes a heavy thing as the years wear on, and it is a relief to have younger hands doing the work of daily life. She found me a spot for rest and recovery at St. Joseph’s Villa where I am now, and have been for the better part of a month. The food is subpar, but I’ve been snuck in some fresh bananas and treats here and there, making life more tolerable. They have TV and a channel showing Bones, which is a semi-accurate forensics drama with a nice looking lady and a male lead I remember from other shows an does an okay job holding a pistol. They always solve the case which ais a nicety of TV, as the real thing was far harder and not so sure. I miss teaching and travel to teach in South America which is a joy as the students are eager even as they face the gruesome crimes of cartels and the indifference of politicians in their home countries. They are always great hosts and over many years they have become a second family of sorts for Linda and I. As for my health, I have been unable to send my usual missives and they are likely to be fewer as my energy is not what it was only a few short months ago. Cancer is a mean son of a gun, but it’s been a good long run and I’m thankful for the many years of raising hell and getting to know good people on this rock. It’s been nice seeing old friends and my usual buddies making the trip to see me. Makes a man feel as though he mattered. I am getting my mail and Suzanne is reading me emails and Facebook messages and posting updates. She’s a sweet kid and I’m lucky to have her. I hope to write again, but I’m signing of for now. Andrà tutto bene. -Jeff   The above includes information online here at the time of this posting.       Ron Smith - RIP August 7, 1954 - November 11, 2023 Edgar Ronald “Ron” Smith, 69, of Collinsville, MS passed away peacefully in his home on November 11, 2023. Ron was known by many as one of the “Fingerprint Gurus” in the Forensic world. He began his Forensic career at the FBI's Identification Division (now known as CJIS) at the age of 18 in Washington, DC. He and his wife, LaDonna, moved back closer to home and he worked with the State of Alabama Crime Laboratory as a Crime Scene and Fingerprint Examiner. He then transferred to the Mississippi Crime Laboratory until he retired as the Director of the East Mississippi Crime Laboratory in July of 2002. Ron started sharing the love of Forensics with others in the early 1990’s when he started teaching the first ever Palm Print Comparison course. He travelled all around the US and many foreign countries and inspired forensic scientists with his vast amount of forensic and courtroom testimony knowledge. In 2001, Ron was awarded the International Association for Identification's Dondero Award, their highest award.   In 2002, he and his daughter, Heather began a private consulting firm, Ron Smith and Associates, Inc. Through this company, he continued to assist examiners and government agencies in many facets of crime solving. Per his wishes, the Associates of RS&A will continue to carry out his legacy for years to come.     Ron is survived by his Golden Doodle and best friend, Rusty; his children, Heather and Frank McNeill, Smitty Smith (Lindsey Aull), and Matt and Lauren Smith; his brothers, Jerry Smith (Fran) and Charlie Smith (Margie); his sister, Joyce Williamson; his brother-in-law, Kyron (Brenda) Crenshaw; and his sisters-in-law, Linda Crenshaw, Pat Crenshaw, and Dale Smith; grandchildren, Jake and Emma McNeill, Beckham and Ollie Smith, Graham, Anniston, Harper Ann, and Reagan Smith, and Gavin, Peyton, Keegan, and Macy Aull, and numerous nieces and nephews.     Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, LaDonna Crenshaw Smith; parents, Talmadge and Rita Smith; in-laws James and Iva Lee Crenshaw; brothers-in-law, Billy Williamson, Wayne Crenshaw, and Larry Crenshaw; and a sister-in-law Lynn Crenshaw.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Antioch Southern Methodist Church or the Greater Meridian chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.   The above includes information online at www.robertbarhamffh.com

Search