​G. Webster Smith | March 31, 1960 - January 18, 2012



Co-founder of this venture is G. Webster Smith, who has fought and successfully won the “odds” of being in an ice sport. Throughout his life, Web’s goal was to encourage, inspire and uplift those whose lives he touched. Web worked tirelessly to make the dream of JOIHF happen, and his passion for and commitment to JOIHF was exemplary. ​In many ways, he was the backbone of this venture. He brought everyone to the table, coordinated the various aspects, and ensured all the directives and strategies were carried out. He stuck to the regimen and never deviated from the vision. As much as he contributed to JOIHF he soaked up every opportunity to learn and grow. He brightened every day with his optimism, vitality and vivacious personality, and enveloped us all in his deep passion and extraordinary dedication to this project.

A 20-year veteran of ice skating, Mr. Smith is the first-ever Black American to garner the credentials of a master-rated coach by the renowned certifying agency, Professional Skaters Association. He has garnered the respect of his peers, especially those in the Asian Hemisphere, who appointed him, the first-ever non-Asian, to conduct training for the entire National Figure Skating Team of China. ​Last year, he served as Head Coach for the Icelandic National Team of the Bjorninn Skating Club, inspiring his students to obtain Iceland’s first-ever international medals in figure skating!

​He will be terribly missed!