Mr Smith, who died on November 1 aged 87, left a lasting legacy in the Waitaki Valley, from the Lakes Aviemore and Benmore recreational, camping and boating facilities to the huge canal-based power scheme wending its way from Lake Tekapo to Lake Benmore with its five power stations, the last commissioned in 1985.
A controversial figure, he was also respected by the workers on the power scheme and in the construction town of Twizel, which survives as a result of his determination to prevent its being bulldozed.
The memorial service will start at 4pm, with daughter Pip Sutherland and other speakers to cover a range of community and construction activities.
The service has been organised by Rick Ramsay, former public information officer for the power project, who worked with Mr Smith from 1977 to 1984 and still lives in Twizel.
The venue was particularly appropriate for the gathering, as it represented the most obvious legacy from Mr Smith's vision for Lake Ruataniwha, Mr Ramsay said.
Representatives from Meridian Energy and New Zealand Rowing will join former Ministry of Works staff, union representatives, businessmen, teachers and local body politicians.
Mrs Sutherland would tell of growing up in Twizel, and the family's life after Mr Smith left the Ministry of Works and went farming.
The Mackenzie Highland Pipe Band and local band Last Mango in Tarras would provide entertainment.
Ruataniwha Rowing would cater, and the large screen inside the building would be used to display photographs of Mr Smith's life and career.
Tomorrow the Otago Daily Times will publish an obituary.
