William Henry Martin Smith

March 23, 1928 - Jan. 2, 2013
William Henry Martin (Nic) Smith passed away in Yountville, CA., on Jan. 2, after a lengthy battle with lung cancer at the age of 84. He was born on March 23, 1928,in San Francisco, CA., to William J. Smith and May C. Martin Smith. He is descended from early Solano County pioneers, Great Grandfather Samuel Martin who built Stonedene in Cordelia and his grandparents Henry Martin and Carrie Pittman Martin who were proprietors of the Cordelia Hotel until their deaths. Nic lived in Solano County until a move in 2006 to the Veteran's Home in Yountville.
Nic and Elayne Marie (Babe) Serpas were married on Sept. 7, 1952 in Fairfield. They lived at the historic Martin family estate, Stonedene, on Rockville Road and in Fairfield for the 51 years of their marriage.
Nic attended local Solano County schools, as well as Solano College and U.C. Davis. He joined the U.S. Army Medical Corps and was stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco. His work history includes the family fruit ranch in Suisun Valley, Pacific Fruit Exchange in Vacaville and Fairfield, inspector for the Solano County Department of Agriculture in Vacaville and Dixon, licensed stock broker for Sutro and Company in the Fairfield, Vacaville and Dixon areas, travel agent for JME Travel and a racing official for the Solano County Fair until his retirement in 2003.
While at the travel agency, Nic and Babe enjoyed many trips and sailing to most parts of the world, including the South Pacific, Mexico and many parts of Europe and the United States. They especially enjoyed many light tackle fishing tournaments in Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica and New Zealand.
Nic was active in local community groups and politics. He was the Past Exalted Ruler of the Fairfield Elks Lodge, Past President of the Native Sons of the Golden West #39, Life member of the Solano County Historical Society, Eagles 4113, Moose in Vacaville and Napa Elks Lodge. He served on the Cultural Heritage Commission, Solano County Grand Jury in 1983, Solano County Planning Commission and as past Chairman of the Suisun-Fairfield Cemetery Board.
Nic will be remembered for his zest for life, love of travel and fishing. He shared many good times with a multitude of longtime friends, enjoying a drink or two and discussing past events or current news.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by and will be deeply missed by many friends.
A memorial service will be held on Jan. 11, at 11 a.m., in the Napa Elks Lodge, 2840 Soscol Ave., Napa, CA 94558.