The December issue of the journal Powder Diffraction is dedicated in memory of Professor’s Deane K. Smith for his outstanding services as the journal’s first Editor-in-Chief for 13 years (1986–1999) and the Editor for Reviews and Reprints for three years (1999–2001). Professor Smith and the first crystal structure of uranophane published by him in 1957 are featured on the cover. An obituary on Professor Smith prepared by Drs. C. R. Hubbard, R. Jenkins and R. L. Snyder is given below. Two representative papers published previously by Professor Smith in Advances in X-ray analysis (namely, Clay mineral analysis by automated powder diffraction analysis using the whole diffraction pattern and Particle statistics and whole-pattern methods in quantitative X-ray powder diffraction analysis) are reprinted in this issue. A new paper, presumably the last paper prepared by Professor Smith (entitled Review of questionnaire to AIHA accredited laboratories for the analysis of silica) is also published in this issue. Professor Smith was not only an excellent editor, but also a proficient author and an outstanding researcher. We all will miss him.