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Hon. Ralph G. Smith Jr.

Hon. Ralph G. Smith Jr. obituary

Ralph Smith Obituary

Smith, Hon. Ralph G. Jr.
88, of Cave Creek, AZ passed away on November 30, 2011. Hon. Ralph G. Smith, Jr. lost his 3 year battle with cancer at home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Born May 7, 1923 in Davenport, Iowa, Ralph met the love of his life, and wife of 61 years, Elba while attending law school at Northwestern University. As a child on the Mississippi River and later as a young man on the Great Lakes, he was a Sea Scout aboard the last three-masted schooner, and was one of only 100 enlisted sailors that successfully "tested" into the Naval Academy from thousands of exam competitors. The Smith Family moved West to Phoenix in 1956. Ralph became an Asst. U.S. Attorney and also founded Perry & Smith. Ralph said his best of friends were made in Cave Creek, where the family moved in 1966. In 1976, Ralph became a judge for the City of Phoenix for the next 18 years. He cared so much for all of us. In his integrity, kindness, and family values, he is survived by Elba, his wife, his 6 children, 20 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and Mary Ann Swanzey, his sister. A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church 36811 N Pima Road, Carefree, AZ, 85377 Wednesday December 14th 10:30am -11:30am and covered dish reception at the church 11:30-2:30pm.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 4, 2011.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Smith

Sponsored by Ralph, Patty, Jennifer, Jessica, Rafael, Aaren, Nathan, Hannah and Micah.

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Hi Dad. Still missing you, alot. Always remember your words "There's nothing you can't do".

Ralph

November 30, 2023

Even though 12 years have passed, both Teresa and I still miss the Judge for his wise counsel, his calming influence, his vast knowledge, his engaging stories and, most of all, how tirelessly he gave of himself to his community, his country, his profession and his ohana. A Hui Ho Judge

Hugh Brenner (son-in-law)

Family

November 29, 2023

I was Judge Smith bailiff for 15 years. He was such a great person to work for. He was always fair in every decision that he made. Do miss talking to him.

Bruce Andersen

Work

November 28, 2023

I miss Ralph

Bernard Buffenstein

Friend

November 28, 2021

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

December 1, 2017

I never realized how many things you taught me throughout my life until these past six years, always finding myself thinking about you or remembering the stories you used to tell or things you would teach us that I am now telling other people. There was litterally nothing that you didn't know, at least in my eyes. I love you and miss you Grandpa!

Hannah Gibson

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Miss my grandfather every day he taught me a lot about life, love,if you want to know how to do something someone wrote a book on it, and the way Leverage works in your favor when your 9 years old and trying to unload a full truck of hay bales that way much more than you do.

Enjoy that sailboat and sky love you miss you.

Nathan Smith

Grandchild

November 30, 2017

Dad,
Here we ALL are missing you so very much. Mom is without the love of her life and the light of her every morning "hey kid, how are you this beautiful morning?" Ralph misses his best friend and really the only one smart enough to understand what his next project is all about. Raquel needs you more than ever. Teresa quietly thinks of you by the beach. Dan, that's me, well I won the biggest trial of my career and I wish I could share every detail in our David vs. Goliath courtroom battle. Angela knows you are with Jade which brings her great comfort. Laura continues to miss you while showing the entire U.S. that she is best cowgirl in the same understated way you had. And the rest of your friends and family, including MaryAnn (who called me the other day), Bernard, Milt & Cis all miss you and the wisdom you so generously shared with us all ... miss you more than words can say. 2017

Daniel Smith

Son

November 30, 2017

Miss you Dad. It's been 16 years and seems like yesterday and ages ago all at the same time. Love you and I'll honor your memory in my daily thoughts and actions, or try like hell! I miss your wisdom and your stories, oh your stories! Love you Dad!!!!!!!!!!!

Ralph Smith

Son

November 30, 2017

Danny Smith

October 16, 2014

yes, always.

jessica springer

January 3, 2013

Hey Dad
You are always remembered.

January 3, 2013

Aloha Judge-Teresa and I shared a very quiet day yesterday remembering you and all you meant to us both. It's been a year now since you went on ahead to scout the terrain, and there are no words for how much we still miss you and treasure the wonderful example you made for all. God Bless You, and we still send our prayers with you daily. Hugh and Teresa

Hugh and Teresa Brenner

December 1, 2012

Mom and the kids miss you so much. You were the rock and we will never let a day go by without thinking of you. May you go in peace and may we let you go to you special place in heaven with all the others in the family and all your old friends. I will try my best to let you go there without clinging on. Love you Dad !

Danny Smith

November 29, 2012

Dad, it will be a year since I last spoke with you. I miss you and I love you. Obviously, I don't have the words to thank you for all the wisdom and love you passed along to me and all of us kids. You impacted not only your children (me and Ralph, Raquel, Teresa, Angela, and Baby, but also the lives of all my friends along the way. I hope you are looking down on us and smiling "go get them!" you always told me. I remember so much that you taught me, even though it did not appear you were trying to "give me a lesson". So here I am, carrying your flag and hoping I can live up to your legacy with my kids. A tough order, but I don't think you doubt me for a moment.

I want to apologize for any mean things I ever said to you although it is a little late. I was just a kid and did not appreciate what you and mom were doing for me. Now I do. I love you and please forgive me.

Your Son, Dan

Dan Smith

November 29, 2012

Nearly a year now Grandpa...It still hurts..I still cry..a lot. God I miss you so so much.we are visiting everyone in AZ next week. I'm scared to go...I don't want to cry in from of my boys the whole time. how strange it will feel without you there. I wish it would stop hurting so much. I wish I could hug you again.you have the best warm hugs ever, I think I got that from you. I wish you could come back and when I got there next week, that you are there, in your seat..with that smile ..that smile I love so much. you know I'm going to look..I'll probably stare..hoping you are really there and I can trip over your cane trying to give you a hug again.

Jessica Springer

October 12, 2012

Hi Dad,
I won one yesterday and wanted to tell you the details of the trial. It was something and know it would have put a smile on your face. I kept on thinking how great it would be to talk to you. But I cannot. I can imagine what you would say. Or are you really letting me know in my mind. I sure miss you !

Daniel Smith

August 8, 2012

Our prayers are with you and your family

Jim and Diana Sorrick

January 9, 2012

I will miss Ralph. Truly a man amongst men. He raised a hell of a family that I know he was very proud of. I hadnt seen him in close to 30 years...but can't forget his warm and friendly welcomes to the cave creek house for Dan and his college buddies...of course the next morning, no matter what time you got in the night before, Elba and Ralph had chores for the boys to do. Dan is a lucky man to have had such great examples of humanity to learn from....

Mike Guerchon

January 9, 2012

Today, I woke up again thinking of my dad. I wrote on facebook accidentally. I was lamenting how different it is to walk in this world without dad. I remember was I was shot in the leg down at the creek, my dad came to get me. Again, when I broke my other leg racing, he picked me up from the hospital. Always, he encourage me to shake it off and "Go get em". I miss that. Whether it was face to face, or on the other end of the phone line, he was there for me and for all of us. Now I ask the Lord for the opportunity to talk to him again. I think I heard him this morning in my slumber as I pray to God for faith.

Dan Smith

January 9, 2012

Love you Dad...Will miss your phone call on my Birthday with your rendition of "Los Mananitas" on the harmonica.
(Estas son las mañanitas, que cantaba el Rey David,
Hoy por ser día de tu santo, te las cantamos a ti,
Despierta, mi bien*, despierta, mira que ya amaneció,
Ya los pajarillos cantan, la luna ya se metió.

Que linda está la mañana en que vengo a saludarte,
Venimos todos con gusto y placer a felicitarte,
Ya viene amaneciendo, ya la luz del día nos dio,
Levántate de mañana, mira que ya amaneció.)
We say hi to you everyday and really miss you.

Ralph & Patty

Ralph Smith

December 22, 2011

I never met Ralph. However, I felt like I knew him a little through my father Rafael who was Elba's cousin. He was an accomplished, decent and loving man who will be missed. My thought are with the family.

Brenda Saenz

December 16, 2011

I came to know the Smith family by them opening their home to me as a friend of Ralph's son Dan. I will always cherish the wonderful memories. I recall going to the Judge for guidence on an issue regarding the ranch. Dan and I left the convesation not sure of the answer we had just been given. Dan's Dad gave the answer in a series of questions. Always "The Judge". We loved you. Wade & Lisa Hughes Anchorage

December 14, 2011

Ralph, you always showed a kind smile. You shared a gentle heart. You taught the meaning of love and life by sharing your own. You judged not, and accepted without terms. Today I cry for you... because I will miss my friend. Today I rejoice for you... because you get to take the journey we so often discussed.

Trent Young

December 11, 2011

It was an honor to know Mr. Smith and I have fond memories of sending time with the family over the years. Respectfully
Michelle Boscamp.

michelle Boscamp

December 8, 2011

Aloha Dad Smith

How to bid farewell with love
As Dad ascends to God above
To bypass thoughts of loss and fear
Knowing as our Dad drew near
God's called him home, his legacy
A strong and vibrant family
None truly die whose memory
Is carried forth by family
In word and deed, example followed
Tis really how each grave is hallowed
Ralph G Smith, high standards set
Awaits to see how each is met
By all of us, for whom he cared
For whom he worked and loved and shared
So now for all, tomorrow calls
How will we answer?

Hugh Brenner

December 8, 2011

Aloha Dad Ralph-
You became my second Dad on August 21, 1993, when you blessed me in marriage to your daughter Teresa. Although our personal encounters were far too few, and all too brief, I quickly grew to love and respect you for your love, wit,wisdom, kindness, patience, intelligence, guidance, compassion, intelligence, encyclopedic knowledge, and your commitment to both your family and your community, whom you served so faithfully and well for so many years. My favorite photo of us is with your grandson Dan and great-granddaughter Megan on Whidbey Island, and my favorite memory of you is the time we spent refinishing the kitchen cabinets at our Maui home. I regret I cannot attend your final services, but I shall cast leis on the ocean for you on that day.
With All My Love and Respect
Your Son-in-Law Hugh

Hugh Brenner

December 8, 2011

Ralph touched too many hearts to ever be forgotten. He will be in our heart forever. We feel the pain of loss again because he was part of our Vera's family (in Puerto Rico) his second home in were we had special memories. Te queremos Ralph!!!

Elba Vera

December 8, 2011

Querida prima Elba nos unimos a tu pena por la perdida de Ralph quien en vida fue un gran amigo de nuestro padre

Orlando Llenza

December 8, 2011

Dear Cousins Elba, Raquel and family, our prayers are with you. It was Ralph who brought us together.
Somos familia y Ralph siempre tendrá un lugar en nuestros corazones.

Yvonne, Titito, y Andy

Familia Sánchez Llenza

December 7, 2011

From The Dailey Family, Forest, Barbara, Ted, Bruce and Nancy , God Bless and our prayers are with your Family in this time of sorrow.

Nancy Dailey

December 7, 2011

You touched so many lives and loved by all, there are few people that will be as great a you were.

seshan

December 7, 2011

I began practicing law 35 years ago in Phoenix Municipal Court,and often appeared before Judge Smith. He was a fine jurist, even tempered,and always willing to give "pointers" to a young inexperienced attorney.Later, I became a judge and to this day wish that I could possess the temperment diplayed by Judge Smith.
I am certain that during his suffering he was greatly comforted by being surrounded by his family. Thank you Ralph for your fine example.

Robert Colosi

December 7, 2011

To the family of Judge Smith. I had the pleasure of working with Judge Smith for 15 years. I was truly blessed to work with such a fine honest gentleman. We shared lots of different cases in court and every once in a while he would ask me what I thought of his ruling. He was always fair and even if the person was guilty would give a fair sentence. God bless the Smith family and my thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Bruce Andersen

December 7, 2011

December 6, 2011

Your Granddaughter and Great Grandsons miss you so much Grandpa..I Love you.

Jessica Smith/Springer

December 6, 2011

Prayers are being sent from for your whole family to yours. God Bless you all, Mark & Yvette Rauguth and family

Mark & Yvette Rauguth

December 6, 2011

To the family of Judge Ralph Smith. Kindness is that language seen by the blind and heard by the deaf. Your father's kindness was felt by all. My condolences.

Laury Alexander

December 6, 2011

I Miss You Grandpa...It's not fair that your gone..someone Loved so much by so many such never go away. <3

Jessica Smith/Springer

December 6, 2011

To the family of Judge Smith, We would like to offer you our condolences. For the Court staff who were fortunate enough to work with him at Phx Municipal Court over many years, we loved Judge Smith for his sense of humor,intelligence,fairness and his kindness. We will always remember him driving in daily from Cave Creek, on rainy days not being able to return home and even overcoming being stung by a scorpion and not being phased by it at all, he said he had been stung so many times. Not to mention his stories from Costa Rica. Way too many wonderful memories and much laughter. Thank you Judge Smith, God Bless You.

December 5, 2011

Please list my name to this guest book. Ralph and I had a close relationship for the last 25 years and he shall continue to live in my memory.

Bernard Buffenstein

December 5, 2011

My Family and I have know Mr Smith for atleast 40 yrs .....and would like to say that he has alway been there for all of us in is kind understated manner....I am really saddened by this loss of a very kind gentle soul...Rest in Peace Mr Smith...Thank You for all your kindness, we love you...

Ted Dailey

December 4, 2011

The Smith family invites all who knew our dad to leave a message about him. We also hope you can celebrate his wonderous life with us at the mass and reception. God bless us all !

dan smih

December 4, 2011

Sending my condolences to Elba and her wonderful family.

Susan Schwabacher Modic

December 4, 2011

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