Obituary of Francis Giles Wayland-Smith

Francis Giles Wayland-Smith, 81, died suddenly at home in the Oneida Community Mansion House on Oct. 28, 2016. Born Sept. 25, 1935 in Oneida, N.Y. to Robert and Prudence (Skinner) Wayland-Smith, Giles was much loved by everyone who knew him and was a loving partner to his wife, Leah Katherine (Wylie) Wayland-Smith for 51 years. Giles attended local Sherrill schools before attending the George School in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He then entered Amherst College, majoring in political science, graduating cum laude, in 1957. He received his Ph.D. in political science from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University in 1968. Giles moved into the Mansion House after retiring in 1999 from teaching political science for 32 years at Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa., where he was a professor emeritus of political science until his death. He was a direct descendant of the Oneida Community and served on the Oneida Community Mansion House Board of Trustees since 1992. Giles is survived by his wife, Kate; daughters, Ellen (Jacob Soll) of Sherman Oaks, Calif. and Sarah Wayland-Smith (Ramsey El-Assal) of New York City, and five grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert (Linda) of Rochester, N.Y. and Paul (Judy) of Naples, Fla. and Kate's three sisters. He was predeceased by a brother, Michael. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oneida Community Mansion House, 170 Kenwood Ave., Oneida, N.Y. A memorial service will be held at a future date.