AUBURN — Bruce Michael Smith, 62, passed away on June 17, after a brief illness.

He was born in Lewiston, Nov. 5, 1948, to Bruce L. and Anna Bryant Smith. He resided during his youth in Leeds and graduated from Leavitt High School in Turner. He then traveled westward for further studies, graduating from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1973.

Two years later, he received a JD from the University of Iowa College of Law, married Laura L. Briggs, and barely made it back to Maine in a 1938 Chevrolet coupe. Once arrived, he established a law practice in Livermore Falls. In 1980, Bruce and Laura’s child, Michael David Briggs Smith, was born.

In 1981, Bruce decided to change careers and established Wauregan Farms, a Holstein dairy farm with his brother-in-law, Stephen Briggs in Turner. Over the years, Wauregan developed and exported numerous cattle, many of which went on to win awards in their new homes. Bruce continued to operate Wauregan Farms after Mr. Briggs’s departure in 1992.

Eventually, he sold the dairy herd and concentrated exclusively on the export of live cattle and dairy embryos. He traveled extensively in connection with his export business, both within and outside the United States, including trips to Japan, Brazil, Egypt, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Cuba, where he, among others, dined with Fidel Castro. He made numerous business acquaintances and friends throughout the world.

He is survived and will be sorely missed by his wife, Laura of Wayne; his son, Michael and daughter-in-law, Yao Wang, of Sunderland, Mass.; his mother Anna of Leeds; brothers, Phillip and wife, Sue Anne, of Standish, Arthur and his wife, Tracy, of Turner and Mark of Augusta; sisters, Margaret Dickson of Lewiston and Dorothy Smith of Wilton; as well as numerous devoted nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Bruce L. Smith; his brother, Billy; and his brother, Stanley.

Bruce M. Smith was a devoted son and brother, loving husband and father, thoughtful friend. His generous spirit, upstanding character, and joyous, playful nature touched and changed many lives. A good man gone way too soon.