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DAVID WILLIAM SMITH

DAVID SMITH Obituary

SMITH, DAVID WILLIAM David William Smith, loving and dearly beloved husband of Nancy and loving brother to Dennis Smith (Hemet, CA), Donna Ward (Arlington, Virginia) and Anna Jean Peterson (Sun City, CA) died tragically and unexpectedly in Grants Pass, Oregon, on September 4, 2010. David was born in Riverside, CA, in October 1947. His parents were farmers in Perris, CA, and he would always say how he wouldn't want to have grown up any other way. During his youth he was heavily involved in 4-H, go-cart racing and cars - his love of cars continued throughout his life. David served four years in the Navy and he and Nancy stayed in the San Diego area when he was discharged in 1971. He worked in precision machining for over 33 years before retiring as a manufacturing engineer in 2005. Since their retirement, David and Nancy had enjoyed traveling and camping. David always took great joy in helping family, friends and neighbors. He was a very loving and special man, and will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. A memorial service for David will be held on Wednesday, September 22nd, at 2 p.m. at Skyline Church, 11330 Campo Road, La Mesa, CA 91941. In lieu of flowers, please donate in David's memory to the American Cancer Society or your local Hospice organization.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Sep. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID SMITH

16 Entries

Suzanne Neidermyer

September 27, 2010

Nancy - What a wonderful model of love David was; not just for family and friends, but I'm sure for perfect strangers, as well. He was one of my mom's favorite people, and after that service, I understand why. If everyone recounted all the things he'd done for each of them, we would still be in that room! We are blessed to have known him, and my family will always cherish and appreciate the help he was to us during my mom's illness. May God bless you, comfort and strengthen you, and encourage you, until you two meet again!

With love,
Suzanne (May) Neidermyer

Chris & Monica Egan

September 25, 2010

Dear Nancy,

We were very saddened to hear of David's untimely passing. He will be remembered by our family as a very kind man and a great friend to my parents. We hope that our prayers help bring you peace during this difficult time.

Vince George

September 23, 2010

Dave was a special person who will be greatly missed by Gina & I.
I had the privilege of working with Dave for 22 years before he retired.
Dave took a chance on me by hiring me back when I was a "Young Pup" as he would call me. I am sure there were days when I made him regret that because I was such a "squirrel" but I will always be thankful to Dave for taking me under his wings and teaching me a trade that became a career. Dave became a mentor to me. I would refer to Dave as "Coach" the first few years I knew him because he was always there offering guidance whether it was work related or personal. That was the kind of person he was. As the years past Dave went from being "Coach" to "Uncle Dave" because he was like a family member to me. We are thankful to have shared with Dave & Nancy our special big events in our lives like getting married, the birth of our daughter and later the birth of our son.
Although Dave did not know this, he set for me an excellent example of how to love your wife. His love for Nancy was always so apparent. His world revolved around Nancy. I will always remember the kind words of respect and honor he had for Nancy.
One of Dave's other loves was muscle cars and drag racing. The first time I ever went drag racing Dave was there with his beloved Nova, Nancy with "Willa May" the station wagon and I with my Challenger that I suppose he tolerated because it wasn't a Ford. With Daves coaching that day telling me what to do he positioned me all the way to the final race for first place. I lost that race but came home with a trophy I keep to this day that reminds me of him and the great time we had together that day.
We miss our friend and it hurts very much that he is not with us but we also look forward with great hope and expectation to the day we meet again in the Lord's Kingdom.
Vince & Gina George

Scott Mason

September 23, 2010

Dear Nancy,
I am so sorry to hear about Dave.
I worked with him for over fifteen years and I learned a tremendous amount from him.
He was incredibly honest and taught me some great lessons. Once at age 18 I asked him if I could use him as a reference for an internal promotion at work. He said "hell no"!. He then told me I spent more time playing than working. Before I left Jaycraft in 2004, I asked Dave again if I could use him as a reference-and I reminded him what he said back in 1988. He said I could now and he would even make it a good one. we had a good laugh, but I was relieved that he said yes!
I will miss him.
With my deepest sympathy,
Scott Mason

Barbara Rund

September 22, 2010

Nancy~ I am saddended to hear of the sudden loss of David. I will always remember him as a kind and true gentleman. Know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers.

September 22, 2010

"He has a pleasant personality all of his own--no one can duplicate." This message was written on David's senior picture in the school yearbook, so true! I will always remember the great times we had in 4-H, and David and Dennis working for Dad in the grain fields. Our deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved David; he will be truly missed.
Sandy (Walker) Coats

Pat Egan

September 22, 2010

David was a true and wonderful friend--one who would do anything and everything for you. A few years ago, he came to our house and dug postholes when my husband's back went out! He was a gentleman with an unselfish manner and was always willing to give of himself to others. His love and devotion to Nancy were always apparent. My husband and I were fortunate to have shared many good times with David and Nancy. He enjoyed cooking, especially Mexican cuisine, which earned him the nickname of "Taco Monk" with us. His face would light up in a big smile when he brought in an ice chest filled with one of his homemade meals. David was very special to us and we mourn his loss. We will miss him greatly.

Larry DePrizio

September 21, 2010

I worked with Dave for 10 years and we worked hard but we also had a lot of fun. We talked about everything and anything and I got to know him very well. Dave was very intelligent, determined, and persistent; traits that earned him a high level of respect from his co-workers. Dave was also one of the most honest and sincere people I had ever known and I miss him dearly. God bless Dave!

Mike Cooper

September 21, 2010

Dear Nancy,
Sheri and I were shocked and saddened upon hearing of David's sudden passing. He was a friend and mentor to me for the 20 plus years we worked together. Sheri felt a close connection to David for the caring he showed to us and our family during the time of my accident in 1995. We will forever keep him in our hearts, he may be gone bur will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
Mike and Sheri

September 20, 2010

Dear Nancy,
We are deeply saddened at the sudden lose of David. He was a very loving, sharing man. I can still see him in in 4-H uniform, ready for the show ring. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. You were so faithful to visit my Dad after his accident, it meant alot to all of us. Dad and Mom are very fond of the twins, enjoying all the teasing the boys gave Dad while working for him. This has been really hard on Dad. If there is anything we can do to help, please call. Lovingly, Marie and Bob Spradlin and Bob and Marcheta Walker

Jen Smith

September 20, 2010

Dear Nancy and Family,
What a sad and unwelcome surprise this is; we are truly so very sorry for your loss and can hardly believe this new reality. He was an absolute treasure to Jarrod, an admired and adored part of his childhood, and was always so sweet to our children (who STILL sleep with their SeaWorld animals). He will be missed here on earth and must surely be up in Heaven doing something good for God. While you are hurting, please know that you are not alone, our heavy hearts are here for you in spirit.
With much sympathy, Jen and Family

September 20, 2010

David shared his love of the outdoors with me - hiking anywhere, anytime on a moment's notice. His love of Country and nature will always endure in my heart.
Joe Egan

Bobbie (Clark) Traver

September 20, 2010

To Nancy: I'm very sorry for the loss of your husband David.I know you were married a long time and I'm sure you will feel his loss forever. My condolences are with you. God bless you.

David Hart

September 19, 2010

I had only met David a couple times over the years, the last time of which was 2009 when his brother Dennis and I visited the USS Midway museum together in San Deigo. If David was anything like his brother Dennis and I'm sure he was, heaven has gained a wonderful soul.

Cathleen Ottinger

September 19, 2010

I'm very shocked and saddened by David's passing. He was such a nice person & a good friend to my mom and dad (Pat & Joe Egan). Every time I saw the margarita mix, blender, and 4 glasses on the counter, I knew David & Nancy were at my parents' house :) They had so much fun together. I will always remember him in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace.

Tricia Kingsley

September 19, 2010

I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of David. Due to his goodness, his helpfulness, and his friendship to all, he had earned many rungs on the ladder to Heaven. My family and I will be forever grateful to him and his unwavering support of my Mom and Dad. God is putting him to work on his next project...

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