Search by Name
Search by Name
1920
2013
Harlan Floyd "Smitty" Smith
April 4, 1920 - August 10, 2013
Resident of Hayward, CA
Harlan Floyd "Smitty" Smith, 93, of Hayward, CA passed away peacefully, Saturday Aug 10, 2013, surrounded by his loving family after a very short bout of pneumonia. He was totally independent and healthy up to the last.
Harlan was born in 1920 in Kansas to Mary and Floyd Smith. He had seven wonderful sisters all of whom preceded him in death. He was the beloved husband of Edna Mae Morgan Smith, who passed in 2004. They had 62 wonderful years together enjoying square dancing, traveling in their RV, cruises, Polynesian dancing and trips to Hawaii with their family and friends.
Smitty lived the past 9 years at Casa Sandoval in Hayward where he made many new friends and was loved and cared for by everyone on their wonderful staff. He continued to be a constant source of support, love and strength for his family. He enjoyed life to the fullest and just last August he was dancing the hula on a boat in Kaua`i!
He was a U.S. Coast Guard North Atlantic World War II Veteran. After the war, he was instrumental in the opening of the Coast Guard training center on Government Island in Alameda. He retired after 20 years of service. He then worked for 35 years for Loard's Ice Cream in San Leandro, CA as ice cream maker, candy maker and vice president of the company.
Smitty was the devoted dad of Mariellen Tkaczyk and Richard Smith. Loving father-in-law to Stanley Tkaczyk and Laurie Smith.
Dearest grandfather "pawp" to David Mencarelli and his wife Belinda, Trisha Williams, Joey Tkaczyk and Rachel Smith. His youngest grandson Zachary Smith preceded him in death. He was great grandfather to Zachary Freese, Hailey Williams and Maya Mencarelli and great-great grandfather to Dante Freese.
He was a wonderful brother- in- law to Peggy Davis who held a special place in his heart and he in hers.
Harlan is at rest at Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward, CA alongside Edna and Nana Morgan, his mother-in-law.
Any donations in Harlan's memory can be made to his grandson's memory, the Zachary Morgan Kalaniha'aha'a Scholarship Fund. This fund was established after Zachary's passing in 2010 and helps youth gain their goals in the performing arts. Checks can be made out to Rick Smith, at 319 Lake Dale Court, Martinez, CA 94553.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I would like to reiterate your comments, Trisha. Uncle Buzz, as I knew him, was a very special person. I remember back to my time as a small girl, when we all lived together(Nana, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins)on Auburn Ave. on the west-side of Buffalo, N.Y. It was the only time in my life that my family was all together. But as life would have it, families must separate and grow, as ours did. Which made it ever so special when Uncle Buzz and Aunt Eddie would travel our way. Fond memories of those days still fill my heart. His loving ways will always be with us and so he lives on through you and all our children who met and enjoyed their time with him. May your memories ease your pain and once again make you and your family smile with loving gratitude for having had him in your life.
Kathy Curr
August 25, 2013
So sorry to hear--he was a welcome sight, always smiling and so supportive of the halau. --Susan R.
August 24, 2013
Smitty was a very special man.All who knew him though very highly of him. He will be missed by many!
Peter Mencarelli
August 23, 2013
Dear Rick, Laurie, Rachel and family, I saw Smitty at many of the Na Mamo performances. His smile and good nature were inspirational and I know he will be missed. May the memories of his warmth and good spirit comfort and sustain you. God bless you all.
Judi Ragsdale
August 23, 2013
I'm going to miss you "Pawp". Let's Go A's.
Erik Munson
August 23, 2013
Trisha Williams
August 23, 2013
Not enough words or praise will ever describe my Pawp. He is a real hero, and I mean this as a true example of a man and Grandfather. Pawp is and was a class act, loving Grandfather and a true gentleman always. We are a very close family and that starts with the love my grandparents. Thank you Pawp for providing so many wonderful experiences for me. I will always carry so many, many wonderful memories and thoughts of family and love because of you. I will miss you desperately. Love with all of my heart, Trisha
Trisha Williams
August 23, 2013
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Funeral services provided by:
Chapel of the Chimes Hayward Funeral Home & Memorial Park32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94544
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more