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Mark Deloise Smith

1954 - 2010

Mark Deloise Smith obituary, 1954-2010

BORN

1954

DIED

2010

Mark Smith Obituary

Mark Deloise Smith

Mark Smith, 56, died at his home in Redding on August 13 after a courageous 2-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Mishawaka, Indiana on May 14, 1954, his family moved to Southern California when he was two months old, with his mother driving a trailer cross-country with four children. Mark graduated from Reseda High School in 1972, and became a journeyman sheet metal fabricator, moving quickly to supervisory positions.

He met his future wife, Debbie, after his parents gave Debbie's mother a ride home from church, and the parents started talking about their respective children. Debbie had noticed Mark singing at church and picking up his boys at day care, and admired his caring demeanor. Mark soon called Debbie, and, began the 2-hour conversation by nervously blurting out, "I hear you've had a rough life!" It was the beginning of a true love story.

Owner of Smitty's Heating and Cooling and Ducts in a Row, Smith was named last December as the Builders' Exchange Citizen of the Year, honored by his colleagues and the business community for his generosity, and his great skill as a tradesman and employer. He was well known locally as the star of humorous television and radio commercials for "Smitty's," using his flair for drama, knack for humor, and natural matinee-idol looks to recreate a Rod Serling-type Twilight zone persona, among other characters. At the awards dinner last year, the three things mentioned as the key to his outlook on life were: his faith, his family and his friends.

The Smiths moved from Southern California to the Northstate in 1994 seeking a healthy lifestyle for their growing family, away from the poor air quality and the hustle and bustle of the city. "He was a risk taker," said his sister Debbie Wood of Mt. Shasta. "They packed up and never looked back."

The family settled in Mt. Shasta, where Mark's parents were living. When their son Devon was a toddler, Mark and Debbie bought a business, which soon became "Smitty's Launderland." "He named all the machines after family members," his sister Deb recalled, with a laugh. His mother-in-law also lived with them, helping out with the business, and with the growing family. "Mark didn't want her to live by herself," his wife Debbie recalled, describing the unusually close relationship he had with her mother. "He gave her a happy life. God knew my Mom and I needed somebody like Smitty."

Returning to the building trades, the Smiths moved to Redding when their son Dallas was less than a year old. In 1994 he left Cascade Sheet Metal to start his own "mom & pop" business. Smitty's soon grew into a major Redding- area employer, and for several years was voted the number one heating and cooling business in a community survey. During his illness, he continued to spend many days at the shop, meeting with his crew, discussing projects, and passing on wisdom gained from his many years in the business.

His sister Debbie remembered him as a natural entrepreneur at an early age. On his paper route, he would offer to "porch the paper" in exchange for tips. "The ladies loved him," she recalled. He also sang, played the trombone and clarinet, and performed in theatre productions, once as a ladies' man named "Rip Darren."

"He had charisma," his sister Joyce said. "He'd light up a room." During the later stages of his illness, he was always concerned with others. "He asked me, 'How's your new job, Joyce?" Other words his family uses to describe him are: humble, honest, humorous, loving, and a man of his word. "He believed in people," said Debbie Smith. "He gave everybody the benefit of the doubt. He believed that people could always redeem themselves, and saw their potential."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Del and Kay Smith, and his mother-in-law, Margaret Zane. He is survived by his wife Debbie, sons Kyle (Laura), Casey (Jade), Devon (Megan) and Dallas, grandsons Luke, Blake, Layton and Cashton; sisters Debbie Wood, Joyce Menta, Jan Thomas, and brother Larry Smith.

There will be a Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 21 at Little Country Church, 873 Canby Rd., Redding.

The family requests donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245, or www.pancan.org.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com

Published by Redding Record Searchlight on Aug. 18, 2010.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Mark Smith

Not sure what to say?





You will forever hold a very special place in my heart! Thank you for crossing my path.

Leslie Williams

September 9, 2010

Debbie: Just heard today about Mark. Words just do not seem sufficient...Heaven received one of our finest and we are blessed to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As he is at peace, may our Lord envelop you with His peace and comfort.

Love and Prayers,

Ron & Janet Bridges

September 6, 2010

Debbie, Devon, Dallas and the entire Smith family. We were so sorry to hear of Mark's passing and our hearts go out to all of you. He was such a kind and thoughtful man and touched so many lives in so many positive ways. His service was one of the most beautiful I have ever attended, and like always, Mark was thinking of others as he planned his farewell message. May you find comfort in the fact that cancer can no longer cause him pain, and one day you will all be joined together again our Heavenly kingdom.
God Bless. John, Mary, Julie, Wes, Jeff, Meghan, and Mark Snider

Mary Snider

August 28, 2010

I was so impressed with the entire Smith family when I met them shortly after their move to Mount Shasta. The loving closeness of the entire family leaves no doubt of the depth, compassion and spirit of each of the members. I loved having the opportunity to visit with Kay each time our paths crossed while living in Mount Shasta. To each of you, Larry, Debbie, Taryn and all your family my sypathy, thoughts and prayers.

Betty Stuart-Collins

August 23, 2010

J. Acosta

August 23, 2010

leigha ashmore

August 22, 2010

Debbie-I just learned this morning on the news that Smitty passed away; I am so sorry that I missed his celebration of life yesterday! I still remember the first time I met you two. I was working at Perko’s and was lucky enough to wait on you guys right after you had LASIK. You wanted to wear your sunglasses inside and he wanted you to take them off. He kept telling you how beautiful you are without make-up throughout the whole meal, even eliciting my opinion to back him up. He was so sincere and loving to you; it made you two very easy to remember! Over the years, I got to see you often enough to consider you family. You guys cheered me in my goals of going to pharmacy school and I will always be grateful for that support! When I left town & went away to college alone in Idaho, I often missed my regular customers that had a way of making my job feel more like fun than work, and you guys were definitely on that list of people! In fact, when I returned to Redding last year with my degree, I kept hearing Smitty’s ad’s on the radio & started thinking that I was going to have to stop in the office and say hello! And then Deb showed up in my pharmacy, YAY! I was so excited to see you since I had been thinking about you two so much! I was really saddened to hear about Smitty’s cancer but after losing a lot of really great people in my life, I've learned that those that burn the brightest also burn out the fastest. I will never understand why those who are so full of love, life, & happiness are taken from us so young. Maybe it’s to make the rest of us appreciate what we are given, I’m not really sure. But I want you to know that you have both touched my life. I often think that I would not have been able to do so much in my life if I had not had the support of so many loving friends who started out as customers. You were always such a gorgeous loving couple & a pure joy to wait on! I will never forget you two & will always picture Smitty as I did on the first day I met him, looking at you with his eyes so full of love. What a lucky lady to have such a gentleman! I love you guys and you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Christy Porter

August 22, 2010

Smitty is one of the very best that has been put on this Earth, and that I have had the honor to become acquainted with. He will be dearly missed by many.

Tom Risk

August 21, 2010

I first met Mark around 1985. I owned a Plumbing Contracting business and worked with Mark side by side when he was with Ray-Mac Mechanical. I remember working with him on the Hospital addition and other projects. He always put a smile on my face and always had words of wisdom for me, he was a joy to work with. The last time I saw Mark was about three years ago, when I had him out for an estimate on my rental house. It seemed like time stood still, he was the same old Mark. If I regret one thing, it would be that I procrastinated to visit him this last few months, prior to his passing, I hope he forgives me. I also got to know his brother and sister during my 17 years in Mt, Shasta, all were a class act.. Our community has suffered a great loss.

Rick LaMark

August 21, 2010

Dear Debbie and family. Mark will be deeply missed but not forgotten. His spirit will live on forever income many of us. This is especially true with me! He touched my life in ways that will NEVER be forgotten. He lives in my soul now and forever. A better man i am for it! Thank you Mark... for that! Love you and may you rest in peace brother.
Randy Byrd

Randy Byrd

August 21, 2010

Dear Debbie and Family, I'm truly sorry for your loss. I was a new widow myself when "Smitty's" and my paths crossed. He and his crew put me at ease and did an excellent job at my house. Mark was a great businessman as well as a wonderful person. I will always remember his integrity, charisma, and sense of humor. It was a blessing to know him.

Sandy (from Smitty's commercial)

August 20, 2010

Dear Debbie, Although we did not know Mark well, we definitely appreciated his friendliness and kindness when we would visit while family would stop by when we were at the Woodpile with Jason and Taryn. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of Mark's "homegoing". We are sure there was rejoicing in Heaven last Saturday when Mark arrived.

Kathy and David Burkleo

August 20, 2010

My thoughts go out to the Smith family. Mark was loved by many and will be very missed. So sorry for your loss.

Christina Kidd

August 20, 2010

Debbie and family.....my heart goes out to all of you. Mark was a very nice man who helped out anyone in need .
I appreciated how he cared about people. It was a pleasure knowing him. He will be greatly missed in this community. God bless all of you.

Joni Jones (Dwyer)

August 19, 2010

DEAR DEBBIE AND FAMILY MY NAME IS RICH I HAVE REDDING CRANE SERVICE , I'VE WORKED WITH MARK FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLEASURE DOING BUSINESS WITH HIM, HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND HE WILL BE MISSED

August 19, 2010

Smitty you will be missed. It was always nice to see your smile, and your joy for life. God Bless, and my prayer go out to your faimly.

Paul Hanner
Keller Air

Paul Hanner

August 19, 2010

We will miss "Smitty" as a great friend and a most pleasant person. He was our best service person and we were lucky enough to have met him when his business was first beginning.
Bless you Debbie and your family.

DeWayne / Betty Smith

August 19, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Peppel family

David Peppel

August 19, 2010

Dearest Debbie and family -

Eddie and I were so blessed to get to know Mark. (We are so blessed knowing you!) What an awesome example of a man living his faith. God's grace is always enough. He knew this even as he fought this battle. Mark went to heaven to LIVE! What a blessing to KNOW this!

We are here for you - just call. Whatever you need - just ask. We'll miss Mark too. He was a special gift from God to all of us who knew him. We will continue to love and care for you and your family.

GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AND COMFORT!

Love, Eddie and Yvonne Sherwood

Yvonne & Eddie Sherwood

August 19, 2010

Debbie and family. Wayne and I remember first meeting you and Smitty at sunday school. Smitty was always the charmer, and always made you feel good about your self. We are blessed knowing both of you the short time we have. Our love and prayers Wayne and Debbie Wood

Debbie Wood

August 18, 2010

Not sure how to start this. I met Mark when I worked at Silverthorn resort. Every time he came out we had the same conversation. He always said he knew me from somewhere and I would say the same back. Loved this guy from the first time I saw him, I just read the obits and found out he graduated from reseda high School in 72. I graduated in 73. He hung out with all my friends.
I moved to Redding in 1976. I am so sorry we did not figure all this out before his death, but I believe everything happens for a reason. We will find out later why. I want to wish is family well, and just know he is in a better place. God Bless all of you.

Sue Collins

August 18, 2010

How lucky we all were to have had Smitty in our lives. He was such a great man. Our son has worked for him for about 1 1/2 years and had really grown to love him as a boss, as a man, and a friend. We will greatly miss him and that beautiful grin. It gives us peace to know that you are with your savior now. You were such a good soldier for him. Love to Debbie and family, Bob and Becky Becker

August 18, 2010

I havent' met anyone who didn't come away a better person because if him. He had a way of knowing what weighed heavy on your heart just by looking at you. His spirit made your spirit want to share and he always left you with the comforting spirit in which he gave freely with Gods love. His smile lifted you up and his love for others was apparent in his every day walk of life.

I recall many conversations about his mother in-law and the love he had for her. His desire he had to take care of her and Debbie was noble and endearing.

Debbie, thank you for sharing him with us and the the community in which we all live. What a celebration we will all have together again one day in heaven.

Love in Christ,

Michelle Slade

August 18, 2010

My Stud Muffin, I am really going to miss your beautiful smile and big heart! You were as close as a brother could be to me, thank you for letting me into your family! You now have your wings! Kimmie Sue

August 18, 2010

My Stud Muffin, I am really going to miss your beautiful smile and big heart! You were as close as a brother could be to me, thank you for letting me into your family! You now have your wings! Kimmie Sue

Kim Prange

August 18, 2010

Jae Thomas

August 18, 2010

Jae Thomas

August 18, 2010

Jae Thomas

August 18, 2010

Jae Thomas

August 18, 2010

Jae Thomas

August 18, 2010

Debbie, we all have lost a true friend, a gentleman, someone who always had a kind word to say and a smile to share. He will be sorely missed by everyone. Our prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong, we are all here for you.

Jeff Penrod
Dennis' Heating & Air

August 18, 2010

I am going to miss your smile little brother. I will miss our long phone conversations and the dreams we shared with one another. The world has lost an incredible man....heaven has gained the perfect angel. Rest in peace my little brother, for now you are where you belong. Your big sis, Jae

Jae Thomas

August 18, 2010

One of the kindest people, my wife and I ever met personally, at our home. Nor Cal has lost a great man. Our condolences go out to the family. God Bless you all. Sincerely, Greg and Terri Hill.

August 18, 2010

Loved this man from the moment I met him. Best boss i ever had and the most genuinly concerned. Never felt more taken care of. Never felt so encouraged as the time he talked to me about my own husbands battle with cancer. It was like he was so full of Jesus his face was shinning.

Debbie, you've had an amazing privelege and honor to love this man. I love you dearly and will continue to bring your precious heart before the Lord.

Love, blessings and comfort to you and all his family.

Love always,
Heather Lamm

August 18, 2010

Mark is the definition of a Gentleman.He will be grately missed by so many.God bless the Smith family

August 18, 2010

Our heartfelt condolences are with you and your family. Mark's spirit will be sorely missed. We are here for your family day or night. Michael B. Walsh & Staff

"Your eyes will see the King in His beauty
and view a land that stretches afar. " Isaiah 33:17

Michael Walsh

August 18, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May our loving Father wrap His arms around you and send a thousand Angels to comfort you. Donna Wallner and the Wallner family.

August 18, 2010

"Smitty" Redding will not be the same without your great smile and your positive way of looking at everything. As a competitor I always admired the way you made your company and your employees an extension of your family. You are a great man and we will never forget you. Be assured that this community will look after Debbie and she will be well.

We love you,

Ed & Christine Harrison

August 18, 2010

"Smitty", the world has lost an incredible man and God has gained an angel forever. In the time your were here you inspired many and gave to everyone. May you watch over your beautiful family from above and forever rest in peace.

Donn Walgamuth

August 18, 2010

It was a pleasure knowing Mark and working for him. He was a blessing to our family. My prayers go out for Deb and the family. May you have peace in knowing that he is in Heaven with Jesus.
Cyndie Butler Childress

Cyndie Childress

August 18, 2010

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