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John Smith Obituary
John Sanford Smith, born October 28, 1942, in Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2006, in his Arcata home.
John was an outgoing man who prided himself in becoming an active member of whatever community he lived in. He joined the Peace Corps and spent time in Bolivia, helped start a shelter in Santa Monica for runaway teens, and worked as Personnel Director for the City of Santa Monica. He was instrumental in the hiring of the first female firefighter. John moved to Arcata in 1995 and didn’t slow down. He worked as the Personnel Officer for the City of Arcata. After his retirement, he remained active in Arcata politics. He loved music, reading, playing guitar and spending time with friends and family.
John is survived by his daughters, Cecie Grimshaw and Josie Bolane and his loving ex-wife, their mother, Jennifer Jones. They and all his friends love and will miss him deeply.
A celebration of his life will be held Friday, July 28, 2006, 1:00pm at the D Street Neighborhood Center, Arcata.
Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Smith
linnie sanserino
August 4, 2006
I will always remember John when I do the daily crosswoord puzzle, see people getting arrested for what they believe in ,see the faces of war, and when I see youth take a risk. The world will miss you ,John.
Anne Holmes
August 3, 2006
I was with John (and other great friends from Stepping Stone shelter in Santa Monica) the day the first gulf war started. I was twenty-one and couldn't believe we were going to war. John held my hand and helped my get a grip on my first encounter with the unimaginable.
John was - is - the best. The gravelly voice, the ever present cigarette, those hilarious stories, the laugh that shook the house, and those, honest to god, twinkling eyes. I love you and if there's more to come after this life I know you're takin' it as it comes and making up a song about it.
Dan Ter Veer
August 1, 2006
I first met John back in the eighties when he came to Stepping Stone Youth Shelter as Project Director. John came to us after some turbulent times and with his skill and grace and humility helped make the next few years one of the truly remarkable and special times of my life. I smile now as I remember John's impish smile and his wit and outrageous sense of humor. More importantly, I remember his humanism. He was always accepting of others. He was always understanding. He was always a good friend and mentor.
Barbara Held
July 28, 2006
John made a huge impact on my life - I am the 1st woman firefighter hired in the City of Santa Monica. I retired on July 11,2006 after 22 years of the greatest career any woman could have experienced, Thank you John!
Socorro Saldibar
July 27, 2006
My condolences go out to the family. John was the Personnel Director at the City of Santa Monica. He was a man who loved, enjoyed life and music. He was a wonderful man and his spirit will be sorely missed. I am sorry for your loss, but I am sure he is entertaining the Angels as he plays his guitar.
Rest in peace my friend.
Socorro M. Saldibar
Karen Suiker
July 27, 2006
Dear Friends and Family,
I met John when he was employed with the County of Humboldt, and I enjoyed teasing him about the looks he might get when registering in a motel under his real name. He was absolutely delightful with a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that would bring out the best in anyone. My sincere sympathies for your loss.
Bruce Moore
July 27, 2006
I had the privilege of working for John Smith for close to five years while with the City of Santa Monica. John, simply put, was a very special person and like no other. He was a terrific leader, a mentor, a friend, was very funny and just a whole lot of fun to be with. John brought out the best in people, and I think that those of us who knew him are all better people for having made his acquaintance. I will miss him greatly.
James Province
July 27, 2006
John was my good buddy and compatriot during his years in Santa Monica. While working with runaway and homeless teens together at Stepping Stone, he brought me into the company of like-minded friends who shared a commitment to non-violent social change and action. Andrew, Lisa, Bob, Elena, Lisa O., I owe him a great debt for introducing me to you all.
We shared a bus to Beatty, Bluegrass and Blue-eyed Soul. For all this and much more I will always be grateful. Goodbye John.
"Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything's OK,
But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,
'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black." - Johnny Cash ..................................
Vicky Cunningham
July 26, 2006
Upon hearing of the passing of John, I immediately began reminiscing about "the old days" and our great Christmas party performances at Santa Monica City Hall. John played the guitar and quite well! He had such a bubbly personality and always had a smile for you. It was a pleasure knowing him and he will be missed by all who knew him. God Bless you John and your family.
Christine Hureskin
July 26, 2006
I had the wonderful pleasure of working with John during his tenure with the City of Santa Monica. The highlight of my experience with John was being apart of a Christmas program for two years straight. John was our guiterist and apart of the brainstorm that added such flavor to our performance. We were so good that people demanded our performance long after we hung-up our "talents". I am saddened that John has passed on, but he will always be remembered by me for his earthy spirit and wit. Rest my friend, your lively spirit left an inprint on this soul !!!!
Lona Bates
July 26, 2006
Ceci, Josie & Jennifer-
John has left a mark on our community and on everyone he met (and took in his home). My love for him is beyond words! You're all in my prayers.
Lona
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