GEORGE SMITH

George Robert Smith, journalist and Colonel (Ret) in the United States Air Force, died peacefully in his home in Fresno, on Saturday, September 17, 2011, at the age of 93, after a rich and full life. George, or Smitty as he was sometimes called, was the only child of Glenn and Mayme Smith. He attended Fresno State College Demonstration School, Alexander Hamilton Junior High and graduated from Fresno High School in 1937. In 1941, George graduated with a BA from Fresno State College. At Fresno State, he was editor of The Collegian, a member of the Blue Key national honor organization and president of Mu Alpha Delta. George volunteered for the United States Army in July 1941. A year later, he was commissioned at the Infantry Officer Candidate School, Fort Benning. He served in the USA, the Philippines, Japan and China. After World War II, George accepted a permanent commission in the newly created Air Force and served actively until 1969. His assignments took him to many parts of the USA and to many foreign lands. He graduated from Command and Staff College and did postgraduate work at Kansas State University and the University of Alabama. On retirement, George was awarded the Legion of Merit for outstanding service. Following retirement from the Air Force, George was appointed an editor of the Montgomery, Alabama, Advertiser-Journal. Returning to Fresno to care for his parents, he became editor and assistant publisher of the Clovis Independent and Tribune for five years. Not yet ready for final retirement, George next served as campaign manager and, later, staff member for Congressman John Krebs. George is fondly remembered as practical philosopher, gentle soldier, political moderate, insightful historian, witty raconteur, kind humorist, talented writer and painstaking editor - only split infinitives, misspelling and poor grammer could ever have had issue with him. He was much involved in life and steered through it skilfully but he was not corrupted or compromised by it. His wisdom, patience, integrity, honesty, reliability, concern for family and the world, unconditional love and unfailing support will be deeply, deeply missed by those whose lives he touched. May his memory long continue to guide us. George's cherished wife, Wanda, of nearly 65 years, passed away in 2007. George is survived by his loving family, among whom are daughter, Wanda Olenjniczak of Merced and her husband Tom; son, Dr Michael Smith of London England and his wife Marianna; and daughter, Elaina Marlene Smith of Fresno and her husband Rickey Noel Mitchell. Dearly loved by George, too, are his grandchildren, Katherine Shanahan and husband Matt of Dubai, UAE, Adam Keith and wife Jessi of Shoqualmie, Wa, Jacob George Smith of England, Megan Mitchell of Portland, Or, Timothy Olenjniczak of Merced, Eva Marlena Smith of London and Robert Smith of London. He also treasured his great-grandchildren, Laura, Helena, and Isabella of Dubai. And it would be remiss not to mention the great affection and appreciation George had for the loyalty and intelligence of Buster, his cat. Others who George would like remembered are his late cousin, Robert Hopgood of Hilmar, remaining high school and college classmates, military colleagues, neighbors, and the circle of his other valued friends, personal and professional. His family particularly would like to acknowledge the decades of friendship with John and Hanna Krebs, the Giragosian family and the support of Jeanette Figueroa in George's latter years. George's family would life to express their sincere thanks to Dr Roman Malley and Hind's Hospice staff - particularly, Dr S. Yie, Darla, Alice, Amy, Isabelle, Brenda and most especially Evelyn, who was there at the end. Our thanks to Stephens & Bean for their sensitive and professional services. A Celebration of life will be conducted at George's Graveside at Belmont Memorial Park, on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. There will be lunch at George's home after the service. All those who know our family are most cordially invited to the service and lunch. George's wish was that gifts to charities be made in lieu of flowers. "Everything is interaction and change...the only thing that lasts and does not change is love" - George Smith 2010