As the trumpets ripped into a rousing rendition of &#8221Tijuana Brass in Concert“ it was clear that this was not a typical tribute Š but it was exactly the way Martin Smith would have wanted it.

The Riffe Center Mains Rotunda was full of Smith's friends and family Thursday night, each with their own special way to remember the 30-year U.S. Army veteran, who volunteered his bagpipes and trumpeting skills to more than 100 military funerals every year.

The 68-year-old lost a battle with cirrhosis in late July. The Ohio University Southern Activity Band, led by director Dr. Pat McCoy, decided the best way to honor their friend was with a free concert of some of his favorite tunes.

&#8221The band, as it came along over the past seven years, got to know Marty quite well, and we never really had a chance for us to say goodbye,“ McCoy said. &#8221So we wanted to do this for us to say goodbye, to send him out on a high note, so to speak, and also to just play some happy music Š like he liked to play.

The band paid tribute with some of Smith's favorite songs, classic standards like &#8221Shenandoah,“ &#8221This is My Country“ and the &#8221Yellow Rose of Texas.“

The Robinson family was one of many families at the tribute that had known Smith for decades. They had a rich tapestry of memories to reflect on.

Avanelle Robinson said she had known Smith since they were both children, and she thought there was little better tribute to him than an evening of music.

&#8221Oh my, he would have loved it,“ Robinson said. &#8221 Š He would have been part of it!“

Robinson is probably right. Smith was one of the founding members of the Ohio University Southern Activity Band, one of the several groups in the area with which Smith made beautiful music.

&#8221He was a tremendous help to me with his words of wisdom,“ McCoy said. &#8221Not only that but he even loaned us the music just to get us started.“

Whether sheet music, or the hum of the bagpipes, sharing his music seemed to be second nature to Smith.

&#8221I think he must have been born with it, because ever since I can remember he's played something,“ Robinson said.

Charlene Robinson had not known Smith as long as her mother, but could not say enough good things about the musician.

&#8221He was a super guy, and he'd do anything for any one,“ Charlene said. &#8221I'll remember his love for country. That's what I'll remember the most.“

Robert Sutton, who attended church with Smith, would remember the music that was the hallmark of his life.

&#8221He was one of the few bagpipe players in the area, and he played ‘Taps' at all the funerals.“ Sutton said. &#8221He was very devout. He was an individual.“

Perhaps the one who had the most poignant memories of Smith was his son, Michael, who sat in on second trumpet for the event.

Smith said he wasn't worried that the event would stir up emotions, that music was music, displaying the same discipline for which his father was known.

&#8221I think he would have liked this a lot,“ Smith said. &#8221He liked doing stuff like this Š music was his life.“