BARNSTEAD — On Dec. 27, Tim Smith of Barnstead suffered a ruptured aneurysm on the right side of his brain while driving a Barnstead Highway Department plow truck. Although he was able to stop the truck without injury to himself or damage to the vehicle, Tim was left slumped over the wheel of the truck.

Medical assistance was summoned by another driver, and Tim was transported by Barnstead Fire Rescue ambulance to Concord Hospital and then on to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.

Emergency surgery was performed that afternoon to repair the aneurysm and to remove the debris from the rupture. After a 4 1⁄2-hour surgery, Tim was transferred to intensive care. There, he remains in a coma, while his life-partner Amy Hall and his two daughters, Kayley and Mariya, remain strong in spirit through the long wait for Tim to awaken. Also in attendance are his brother and sisters, numerous relatives and many friends.

A journal of their vigil and many messages of encouragement can be read at www.caringbridge.org/visit/timsmith.

A native of Barnstead, Tim has been a long-time member of Barnstead Fire Rescue, Inc., is very active in fire company activities, and currently serves as a lieutenant for the Barnstead Fire Rescue Department. He worked for many years for Eastern Propane. He has recently joined the Barnstead Highway Department as a member of the road crew.

He is loved and appreciated by many family members and friends. A fund has been established at Citizens Bank to help Tim and his family with the expenses of his hospitalization and recovery.

Donations to the Timothy Smith Benefit Fund can be made by any of the following actions: Bring to any Citizens Bank branch in the Concord/Lakes Region area; mail to the Citizens Bank, Pittsfield branch, 54 Main Streat NH-437, Pittsfield, NH 03263; mail to Barnstead Fire Rescue, Inc. at P.O. Box 117, Barnstead, NH 03218; or bring to the fire station in Center Barnstead beside Town Hall.

Please make all checks payable to the Timothy Smith Benefit Fund.