Bob Smiddie was loved and admired by all who knew him for his folk pottery adorned with flowers, his plays that combined imaginative humor with strong social justice messages, and his tireless political activism on behalf of those without. He was a Democratic precinct committeeman who worked well with local Republicans and never turned down a chance to have civil discourse with others on his causes for social justice.  Because he believed that healthcare is a human right and should not be run for profit he had been a leading light in the Ohio Single Payer Action Network for over ten years.  No matter how difficult the odds were against his convictions, he lived with the philosophy, “Never give up.” Shortly before his death, the SPAN State Council presented Bob with the award shown above. It reads, “In grateful recognition of your advocacy and leadership for health care justice.” 

Bob Smiddie Healthcare Justice Award 

To honor Bob’s life and memory, the SPAN State Council in July of 2011 unanimously approved the establishment of the annual Bob Smiddie Healthcare Justice Award. The award is presented at the Annual State Conference held in April of each year to an outstanding healthcare activist or group of activists selected by the State Council from among those nominated by their peers.

Honor Roll of Recipients

Year 2012 - Arlene Sheak, Athens, OH

Year 2013 - SPAN Cleveland, Bob Parker accepting

Year 2013 - SPAN Cuyahoga West, April Stoltz accepting

Year 2014 - Jerry & Bonnie Gordon, Cleveland, OH

Year 2015 - Johnathon Ross, M.D., Toledo, OH

Year 2016 - Brad Cotton, M.D., Circleville, OH

Year 2016 - George Randt, M.D., Bay Village, OH (Awarded posthumously)

Year 2017 - Alice Faryna, M.D., Columbus, OH

Year 2018 - Matthew Noordsij-Jones (NJ) M.D., Dayton, OH

Year 2018 - Katherine Lambes, M.D., Dayton, OH

Year 2019 - Bob Krasen, Columbus, OH

Year 2020 - Representative Michael J. Skindell, Lakewood, OH

Year 2021 - Bob Parker, Brecksville, OH