John Smythe Jr., corrections chief, dead at 89
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
John K. Smythe Jr., a longtime state corrections administrator, died June 2 in Kapa'a, Kaua'i. He was 69.
Smythe was born Aug. 8, 1933, on Moloka'i. He moved to O'ahu, where he was a football and track star at Farrington High School.
SMYTHE
In 1960, Smythe applied for a job as a prison guard, hoping to eventually become a police officer. But his two-year plan turned into a lifetime in corrections.
Smythe said he was happy being a guard and never intended to move into administration. But after 10 years in the system he found himself moving up the administrative ladder.
In 1972, the then-lieutenant was named acting head of security at the O'ahu Community Correctional Center, and a year later became security chief. In 1978, he was named to head the new Kaua'i Community Correctional Center in Wailua.
In 1990, Smythe agreed to serve as acting administrator at Halawa Correctional Facility for two years. In 1993, he took control of the Waiawa Correctional Facility in Central O'ahu.
Smythe retired in August 1995.
Kaua'i Warden Neal Wagatsuma said Smythe was an imposing man who was dedicated to his profession. Smythe hired Wagatsuma as a corrections counselor at KCCC in 1986.
"He had so much experience working at O'ahu Prison," Wagatsuma said. "He was very security minded, and whenever he'd walk around you knew this person had been through a lot of wars."
Wagatsuma said Smythe gave prisoners the benefit of the doubt, but he also was loyal to his workers.
"Beneath the exterior, he had a real big heart and a kind heart. He was such a good man," Wagatsuma said.
Smythe is survived by his wife, Annie; daughter, Clorinda Brede; grandchildren, Jennifer, Kalino and Kaleo; and great-grandchild, Kaimana.
Visitation from 7 to 9 p.m. June 20 at Borthwick/Kaua'i Mortuary Chapel, and from 9 to 10:45 a.m. June 21 at the chapel; services at 11 a.m. Burial at Kaua'i Memorial Gardens.
