Philip K. Smith

Smith, Philip K., 83, passed away peacefully in his home in Fullerton on Sunday, October 17, 2010 with family at his side. Phil is survived by Marta, his wife of 62 years; daughter, Marti; son, Craig, his wife Lisa and son Taylor all of Fullerton; son, Howard, wife Judith, and their children Lauren and husband Todd, Damian and wife Susannah of Saratoga Springs, NY; and sister, Suzann Wilson of Carefree, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother. Philip was born and raised in Arkansas City, Kansas. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II then graduated from the University of Kansas with a BS in Marketing. He operated a family grocery business in Arkansas City, Kansas, before moving to Overland Park, Kansas to work for the Kroger Co. In 1966 Phil moved his family west and settled in Fullerton, California to take a job with the Johnson Pie Company, Los Angeles, CA. In 1973 he joined Calavo Growers of California as Marketing Director, ultimately becoming president of Calavo. In 1983 Phil opened Management Associates, an international trade facilitator and was instrumental establishing the US market for the Chilean Winter Fruit Association. In 1987, Phil, son Craig and partner Chris Puentes launched Interfresh, Inc., a produce wholesale and distribution company, in Orange, CA. Phil was a lifelong supporter of the University of Kansas, joining his father, brother and sister as a graduate. His passions were Jayhawk Basketball, talking politics, and chocolate! Phil's outlook on life was: "There are no problems, only opportunities". A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., October 27, 2010 at Blessed Sacrament Episcopal Church, Placentia, CA. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations to: Online: www.fallenheroesfund.com or mail to: Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Attn: Contributions - In Memory of Philip Smith, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036.